Muharram is considered to be the period of recalling and mourning the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain by the community of Shia Muslims, which starts mourning from the first night of Muharram and will continue for the next 2 months and 8 days.

The term 'Muharram' derives from the root word 'haram', meaning 'forbidden', and the Ka'bah (Al Masjid Al Haram) also derives from this same Arabic word. This name relates to the fact that fighting in this sacred month is forbidden, which ensures Muslims can go and return from Hajj safely.

For Shias, mourning for Husayn is a means of remembering his suffering, an act of protest against oppression, a struggle for God (jihad), and as such an act of worship. As an act of worship, mourning for Husayn is viewed as redemptive, through which Shias seek atonement for their sins and the sins of all mankind.