Photos of Muharram: a sacred Islamic month for spiritual reflection and resolutions

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Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of four sacred months during which Islam forbids warfare and encourages increased prayer, charity and reflection.

Muslims welcomed a new lunar year in what’s known as the Hijri calendar. The Hijri New Year, beginning on the first day of the month of Muharram, signals a chance for spiritual reflection and religious resolutions.

While the passage of the Islamic New Year is generally more solemn and introspective than festive, Muslims may observe the holiday differently, according to their school of thought.

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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.