JEDDAH, 15 January 2008 — The historic day of Ashura or 10th of Muharram this year falls on Friday (Jan. 18), according to Sheikh Saleh Al-Laheedan, chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council. He said the Hijri month of Muharram began on Wednesday (Jan. 9). Fasting on Muharram 9 and 10 has been encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In Islamic history Muslims have achieved several victories on the day of Ashura.