The first of Muharram (first month of the Islamic year 1440) has special importance. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husain, Prophet Muhammad's grandson, in AH 61 (680 CE). Observed for 10 days from the first of the month of Ashura, the event is a time of great mourning. For Sunni Muslims Ashura isa a time to remember two of Allah's merciful acts: Noah's safe landing after the Flood and the Israelites liberation from Egypt under Moses.
Description provided by Multifaith Calendar