Why do Shi’ah Muslims gather together to mourn, beat themselves and weep during the month of Muharram? Some claim their tears will raise them to heaven – how?

With the evidence of history before us we follow the Prophet’s example, relive his grief and are also moved to tears. History records many instances in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) wept when he grieved for the grandson who would lose his life in the terrible circumstances of Karbala. When he was moved by the sorrow of this, so too were his companions.
We recall the suffering, torture, indignity and death of the members of his family at the hands of Yazid and beat our chests to commemorate their pain and sacrifice.