Ibn Abbas radhiyallahu anhu narrates that Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam came to Madina and saw the Jews fasting on the tenth day of Muharram. He asked, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Musa (Moses) fasted on this day.” He said, “We have more claim over Musa than you.” So he fasted on the day and told the people to fast. (Bukhari)

Aashura is the tenth day of Muharram. It is a day of great significance and virtue. This year, in South Africa, the Day of Aashura will be on Thursday, 19 August 2021. Practices to be observed on the Day of Aashura:

Fasting:
Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have said: “Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose (the way of) the jews. Fast a day before it or a day after it (as well).” (Baihaqi)

Reward for Fasting on the Day of Ashura:
With regard to the blessing of this fast, Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam was asked regarding its virtue. He answered, “It is a compensation for the sins of the past year.” i.e. the sins of one year that has just gone by will be forgiven. (Muslim)

Spending freely on one’s family:
Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “He who will be generous on his family on the Day of Aashura, Allah will be generous on him for the entire year.” (Tabrani, Baihaqi)