1st Muharram: The Start of the Islamic New Year

The Origin of the Islamic Hijri Calendar

The Islamic New Year, is known as the Hijri New Year, signifies the start of a new lunar Hijri year. The Islamic Calendar, also known as Umm al-Qura, is a lunar calendar based on the moon’s orbit around the Earth. It’s also called the Hijri Calendar because it starts from the year 622 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated from Makkah to Medina. Year 1 Hijri is significant for Muslims because it marks the establishment of the first Islamic state in Medina. It was Caliph ‘Umar bin al-Khattab who established the Hijrah as the first year of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Key Events in Muharram ul Haram

The beginning of new islamic year (1^st Muharram ul Haram)

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Muharram also carries significant importance. The Holy Qur’an mentions that Muharram is one of the four sacred months.

اِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُوْرِ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِیْ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ یَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الْاَرْضَ مِنْهَاۤ اَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌؕ-ذٰلِكَ الدِّیْنُ الْقَیِّمُ ﳔ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوْا فِیْهِنَّ اَنْفُسَكُمْ وَ قَاتِلُوا الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا یُقَاتِلُوْنَكُمْ كَآفَّةًؕ-وَ اعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِیْنَ(36)

Indeed, the counting of months in the sight of Allah is twelve months [so written] in the decree of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion. So do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].(Quran 9:36)

In this blessed month, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied, and any wrongdoing is considered more serious.

The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram)

• The Day of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is one of the most virtuous days of the Islamic year.The Day of Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) during the Battle of Karbala.
• It also commemorates the liberation of Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from the Pharaoh and his army, as ordained by Allah.
• On the 9th of Muharram, it is recommended to fast as an additional observance for Ashura. If one misses fasting on the 9th, they can observe it on the 11th of Muharram.

The Sacred Months in Islam

According to a hadith recorded by Imam Al-Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned the significance of the four sacred months: “The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred. Three are consecutive: Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. The fourth is Rajab of the tribe of Mudar, which falls between Jumada (Thani) and Shaban.” (Bukhari)

When is islamic new year 2024?

The Hijri New Year, beginning on 1st Muharram, is expected to start on July 7 evening, 2024 ( contingent upon the sighting of the moon). Each year, the start of the Islamic New Year (Umm al-Qura calendar) , depends on seeing the Moon. The entire calendar, including its religious and important days, follows the lunar cycle. As a result, it shifts about 11-12 days ahead each year, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar year. In Islam, each new day begins at sunset. Therefore, the first day of the Islamic New Year technically will start at sunset on July 7 and end at sunset on July 8, 2024.

How is the islamic new year celebrated?

There are no specific rituals for celebrating the Hijri New Year. However, since Muharram is a sacred month with increased rewards for good deeds, Muslims often engage in ongoing charity, voluntary prayers, fasting, and Quran recitation during this time. The Islamic New Year is also observed as a public holiday in many Muslim countries, where families gather to connect with loved ones and strengthen familial bonds.

Dua for islamic new year

Abdullah ibn Hisham (RA) reported that when approaching a new month or year, the Sahabah (RA) would memorize and recite the following supplication, similar to how they learned the Quran:

اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ، وَجِوَارٍ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ وَرِضْوَانٍ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ

“O Allah, bring this (year) upon us with security and faith, safety and Islam, protection from Shaytan, and with Your Pleasure.”

This practice not only reflects their deep trust in Allah but also serves as a reminder for Muslims today to seek spiritual guidance and divine favor at the start of new periods in their lives.

When is Muharram 2024?

Muharram 1446 A.H ( 2024) is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, July 7th, 2024, and end on the evening of Monday, July 8th, 2024 (Depended on the sighting of the Moon). Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds special significance due to the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura. This day is particularly notable because of the Karbala incident that took place during this month.

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