Iraqi Muslims prepare for Muharram - in pictures

  • Men unfurl a religious banner ahead of the month of Muharram in Iraq's central holy shrine city of Najaf.
    Men unfurl a religious banner ahead of the month of Muharram in Iraq's central holy shrine city of Najaf.
  • The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
    The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
  • An Iraqi vendor sells religious banners at Baghdad's oldest market, Shorja.
    An Iraqi vendor sells religious banners at Baghdad's oldest market, Shorja.
  • An Iraqi checks a sword for mourning processions amid preparations for Muharram in Baghdad.
    An Iraqi checks a sword for mourning processions amid preparations for Muharram in Baghdad.
  • A man polishes a minbar (pulpit) in a prayer area in Naja ahead of the new year celebrations.
    A man polishes a minbar (pulpit) in a prayer area in Naja ahead of the new year celebrations.
  • Religious banners are displayed outside homes and stores to mark the month of Muharram.
    Religious banners are displayed outside homes and stores to mark the month of Muharram.
  • The Islamic New Year is a public holiday in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
    The Islamic New Year is a public holiday in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
  • People mark the occasion by meeting with family and friends and decorating their homes.
    People mark the occasion by meeting with family and friends and decorating their homes.