Ashura 2025 – Major Processions (Juloos) Across the UK
📅 Date:
Sunday, 5 July 2025 (10 Muharram 1447 AH)
Please reconfirm details with local community as this information is as per the previous year’s record.
1️⃣ London – Marble Arch Ashura Procession
- Starting Point: Near Marble Arch, London W1H 7EJ
- Route: Through Park Lane towards Hyde Park
- Timing: Starts ~11 AM, ends ~2 PM
- Features: Large crowd, matam, noha recitation, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
2️⃣ Birmingham – Hussainia Mosque Procession
- Starting Point: Hussainia Mosque, 24 Clifton Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 8SX
- Route: Local route through Balsall Heath
- Timing: 10 AM onwards
- Highlights: Majlis, matam, noha recitation
3️⃣ Manchester – Juloos from Manchester Islamic Centre
- Address: 118 Sidney St, Manchester M1 7HB
- Route: Through surrounding streets
- Timing: Morning until early afternoon
- Features: Chest beating, noha, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
4️⃣ Luton – Hussaini Islamic Centre Procession
- Address: 39-41 Stuart St, Luton LU1 2SW
- Route: Surrounding area of Stuart Street
- Timing: 10 AM onwards
- Highlights: Matam, majlis, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
5️⃣ Bradford – Markazi Juloos
- Starting Point: Imamia Masjid, 7-11 Garnett St, Bradford BD3 9HB
- Route: Through city centre streets
- Timing: From 10 AM
- Features: Majlis, chest beating, Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s
What Happens at an Ashura Procession?
Ashura processions in the United Kingdom remember Imam Hussain (a.s.), his family and companions, who were martyred at Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH. Communities walk together reciting nohas and latmiyat, carry alams (standards) and banners, and usually end with a majlis and dua. Many processions also offer water (sabeel), free food (niyaz) and blood donation drives, reflecting Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) message of service and sacrifice.
Tips for Families Attending
- Check the route and start time with the organising imambargah or centre, as these are confirmed close to Muharram.
- Wear black or dark modest clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Keep children close, agree a meeting point and bring water.
- Follow the instructions of volunteers and police marshals.
Teaching Children About Karbala
Our one-to-one classes include the history of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) and Karbala, taught by qualified Shia teachers in a way that suits each child’s age. See our online Shia Quran classes in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ashura procession?
It is a public walk of remembrance for Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the martyrs of Karbala, held on or around the 10th of Muharram with nohas, alams and a closing majlis.
Can non-Muslims attend Ashura processions in the United Kingdom?
Processions are public events and visitors are generally welcome to watch respectfully. Many organisers share information about Imam Hussain (a.s.) with the wider community.
Why do Shia Muslims hold Ashura processions?
To mourn Imam Hussain (a.s.), keep the message of Karbala alive, and publicly stand for justice and truth against oppression.
