Each year, Muslims around the world observe Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic calendar — also known as the Hijri calendar. It holds a special place in the faith as one of only four months considered sacred, during which Islam prohibits warfare and calls upon believers to deepen their devotion through prayer, charitable giving, and quiet reflection.
The most significant day of the month is Ashoura, a solemn occasion that marks the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein was killed in a battle fought in 680 in the region that makes up present-day Iraq, and his death remains a deeply meaningful event in Islamic history.
Unlike many new year celebrations in other cultures, the Islamic new year tends to be a time of solemnity and inward contemplation rather than festivity. How individual Muslims choose to observe the occasion can vary widely based on their particular school of Islamic thought.
The following is a photo gallery assembled by AP photo editors capturing moments of Muharram observance around the world.
