Achoura means "Tenth" in the Arabic language. That day corresponds to the peak of the memory of the first month of the Islamic year, Muharram. It is the day of mourning. In the eyes of Shia Muslims, this day honors the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, who was the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This occurred in the year 61 H (680 AD) during the fierce and ruthless battle of Kerbala.

Achoura is a traditional date that also honors some of the great events of the past, such as the construction of the Kaaba, the birth of Prophet Abraham, and it is also on this date that the ark of Prophet Noah landed.