Muḥarram is the first month of the year for Muslims. Based on the lunar calendar the Islamic calendar is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar calendar, or the Gregorian one, which is referred to in most western countries. The month of Muharram is extremely holy for the Muslim community as Shia Muslims mourn the death of Imam Hussain and his family. Shia s begin mourning from the first night of Muharram and continue for ten nights.