In Shia Islam, Karbala symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil , the pinnacle of self-sacrifice , and the ultimate sabotage of Muhammad’s prophetic mission. Historically, the event served to crystallize the Shia community into a distinct sect and remains an integral part of their religious identity to this day. Ashura to Arba’in is thus a period of mourning for Shia Muslims , particularly the first ten days of Muharram and Arba’in. On the one hand, Shia mourners share in the pain of Husayn and benefit from his intercession on the Day of Judgement. On the other hand, the Shia view mourning for Husayn as an act of protest against oppression and, as such, a struggle for God (jihad).