What is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri year.
Unlike many other new year celebrations, it is generally a quiet, reflective observance. It is a time for Muslims to remember history, renew their faith, and look forward with hope, setting a spiritual tone for the year ahead.
The Hijri Calendar and the Hijrah
The Islamic (or Hijri) calendar takes the Hijrah – the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE – as its starting point. This migration was a turning point, marking the beginning of Islam as an organized community (Ummah).
In 639 CE, the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, instituted the official calendar, choosing the Hijrah to symbolize a new era. The Hijri calendar is purely lunar, consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.
Muharram: A Sacred Month
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare was traditionally forbidden. Its name means "forbidden" or "sacred."
Often called "the Month of Allah," extra voluntary fasting and worship in Muharram are considered especially meritorious. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said the best fasting after Ramadan is in Allah's month of Muharram.
The 10th of Muharram: Day of Ashura
This is perhaps the most significant day in Muharram, observed differently by Sunni and Shia communities.
Core Themes of the New Year
Renewal & Hijrah
Inspires a "personal hijrah"—a migration from bad habits to good ones, from sin to repentance.
Reflection & Gratitude
An annual reminder of the passage of time, encouraging self-accountability (muhasabah) and gratitude (shukr).
Patience & Perseverance
The Hijrah and the events of Muharram teach the virtue of patience (sabr) and steadfastness in faith.
Observances Around the World
In countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan, it is a public holiday but tends to be quiet and family-oriented. In regions with significant Shia populations (e.g., India, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran), the first days are dominated by Ashura commemorations.
Known as Awal Muharram or Maal Hijrah in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is a national holiday marked with spiritual programs.
- Malaysia: A special sweet porridge called "Bubur Asyura" (Ashura porridge) is prepared and shared with neighbors.
- Indonesia: Celebrations include torch-lit processions (pawai obor). In Central Java, the Kebo Bule ritual features a procession of a sacred albino water buffalo.
In Nigeria, several states declare a public holiday. In Sudan and Morocco, Sufi brotherhoods may hold dhikr (remembrance) ceremonies. In Egypt, a dessert called "aseeda" is sometimes associated with the new year.
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