Islamic New Year: What you need to know about Hijri New Year

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The Islamic New Year is celebrated during the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Islamic New Year marks the start of the month of Muharram.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds great significance for Muslims worldwide as it is Islamic New Year, also known as Al Hijri or Arabic New Year.

However, the date of Muharram varies each year in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The exact date is determined by the sighting of the new moon.

History and significance:

The Islamic New Year began in 622 AD when Prophet Muhammad and his companions were forced to migrate from Mecca to Medina. They were facing persecution for spreading the message of Islam in Mecca. He returned to the city following the conquest of Mecca in 629 AD.

Muharram is seen as a time for reflection and penance. The Islamic New Year provides followers with an opportunity to be hopeful about their future and reflect on the good and bad they have done in their lives.

The first ten days of Muharram are considered to be a sacred time of remembrance for Muslims as the death anniversary of the Prophet's grandson Hussein is marked during the period. Hussein died at the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of Muharram. Also known as Ashura, the day is mourned by Shia Muslims around the world.

Significance:

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, signifying a time of renewal and spiritual contemplation. The word Muharram means ‘not permitted' or ‘forbidden' hence, Muslims are prohibited from taking part in activities like warfare and use it as a period of prayer and reflection.

However, Muharram is also a month of mourning and reflection for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions, highlighting principles of justice, bravery and standing up against oppression.

Observance and rituals:

Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year, and along with it, observe the month of Muharram in various ways. Many processions and marches are organised where the Muslim population, especially the Shia Muslims, mourn the death of Imam Hussain.

Muharram is observed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims, although mourning and remembrance are common aspects. Shia Muslims engage in mourning processions, hold gatherings called "Majlis," and commemorate this tragic event through mourning rituals, processions and gatherings in mosques, Hussainiyas or community centers to listen to sermons by religious leaders that recount and highlight the events of Karbala, paying homage to the martyrs and expressing grief and sorrow.

As for Sunni Muslims, observing a fast on this day is considered a ‘sunnah' since Prophet Muhammad kept a roza on this day after Prophet Musa or Moses as per the Sunni tradition.