The Islamic New Year also called the Hijri New Year, is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram. This means Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and it marks the start of the Islamic New Year. Muharram also holds a greater significance for Muslims around the world. Most Islamic organisations prefer determining the new month by local sightings of the moon. This year, Islamic New Year 2024 is said to begin on July 7, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The exact date of the Islamic New Year varies annually depending on the sighting of the moon, and it differs by a day or two between different countries due to lunar observations. This means, this year, the 1st Muharram and beginning of the Hijri new year will occur on the July 7, subject to the sighting of the moon. Muharram 2024 will mark the start of the New Islamic Year 1446 Hijri.
Islamic New Year History
The date of the Islamic era was set as the year of the emigration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijrah. This day equates to 622 CE in the Gregorian calendar. Â All religious duties like prayer, fasting in the month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage, and the dates of significant events, such as celebration of holy nights and festivals, are based according to the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. This means that the Islamic New Year moves backwards by about 10-12 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Islamic New Year Significance
The first month of the Islamic year is Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam. It is a time of reflection and remembrance, particularly for Shia Muslims who observe the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during this month. On this day, Muslims engage in prayers, fasting, and reciting the Quran. Some communities may also hold educational events to discuss the Hijra and its significance.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2024 08:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
