Events

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.

The beginning of new islamic year (1st 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)

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 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?

Q. What is the history of islamic new year calendar?

The Islamic New Year Hijri begins on the 1st of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Yathrib (now Medina). It is known as the Hijra or Hegira, to escape persecution.

Q. Describe the way of greetings for islamic new year among muslims?

During the Islamic New Year, Muslims often exchange greetings that wish for peace, blessings, and success for everyone. They pray for guidance and clarity in life’s journey. They also expresses hopes for strengthened bonds and friendships as they commemorate this special time.

Q. Why is fasting on Muharram Ashura recommended in Islam?

Fasting on the 9th and 10th Muharram (Ashura), or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram, is recommended. Because it expiates sins.

Ruqia Bibi

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