On the annual of the commemoration of the martyrdom of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her), according to the first narration—forty to forty-five days after the passing of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family)—the courtyards and halls of the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) were draped in black.
Black banners and inscriptions of mourning were installed throughout the sacred precincts, enveloping the shrine in an atmosphere of grief and reverence as the holy shrine of the commander of the faithful prepare to honor the daughter of the Prophet and the first lady of Islam.
