Muharram mourning tradition in the desert

In early Islamic history, some Muslims supported Ali, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph (temporal and spiritual ruler) of the Muslim community. Their support was based on the wish that the caliphate should stay within Prophet Muhammad’s family. They were called Shia, which means “the supporters” in Arabic. Ali was murdered in 661 AD and his leading opponent Muawiya bin Abi Sufiyan became caliph.​​​​