When is Islamic New Year Celebrated and What is its Significance?

The Muharram Islamic New Year is the first month of the Hijrī or Muslim lunar calendar. However, majority-Islamic states are governed by the solar Gregorian calendar. The lunar calendar is used to calculate the dates of religious Islamic events and important observances such as the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hijrī relies on the movements of the moon. Therefore, the Muslim calendar has just 354 or 355 days. The total days are about 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar with 365 days (366 in leap years). Hazrat Umar, the second Muslim caliph, introduced the calendar in 639 C.E. The purpose was a broader attempt to standardize and organize Islamic life and rituals, and possibly so the calendar would stand apart from those used by multiple other religions. The calendar well determined the Islamic New Year and also served as the beginning of Islam both as an organized religion and political institution.

In Arabic, the word Muharram means stop and forbidden—a hint at the month’s meaning. The Quran strictly forbids warfare or other fighting during Muharram. The three other sacred months hold the same reverence in Islam. The Muslims’ new year begins with the auspicious month of Muharram. Shiite Muslims around the world commemorate the entire month of Muharram with respect, prayer, and family time without indulging themselves in otherworldly celebrations and activities.

However, Islam’s two major religious sects observe the new year in Islam differently. These differences can easily be traced back to the 680 C.E. death of Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn Ibn Ali al-Hussein, during the Battle of Karbala, which set the stage for a schism between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Shiite Muslims observe the first 10 days of mourning, culminating in Ashura on the 10th day to mourn the death of Hazrat Al-Hussein (R.A). Some Sunni Muslims observe Ashura with fasting and praying as well.

Concerning the Gregorian calendar, the new year will be celebrated on the evening of the 6th or 7th of July 2024 upon sighting the moon. Muslims will observe the 1st of Muharram 1446 AH with the individual traditions of their states on a global level. Muslims celebrate their Islamic New Year with reverence, supplications, and seeking the mercy of Almighty Allah.

According to Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) Hadith: “The (Muslim) year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram, and (the fourth one is) Rajab…” (Bukhari 3197)

There are no pertinent traditions or requirements for celebrating the Hijri new year, however, since Muharram is one of the sacred months ordained by Allah (SWT). The Muharram celebration is more inclined to good acts, as it is believed by Muslims that the reward is multiplied in this month. It is an opportune time for Muslims to incorporate acts of zakat, sadaqah Jariyah, nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting, sincere supplications, and Qur’an recitation. The Islamic New Year is observed as a public holiday in many Muslim states. The majority of people with families use the holiday as an opportunity to meet and greet the new Hijri year with loved ones, and to strengthen ties of kinship.

As mentioned before, the Islamic New Year is celebrated to mark the journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. Additionally, the point of significance among the Muslim community is that it is exactly the day the first Islamic state was established. The day helps Muslims to understand the purpose of the Hijri calendar, its actual origin, and how the Muslim community was consolidated as one. The new year is an opportunity to become spiritual and get closer to Allah, the Almighty.

Fasting is one of the best ways to gain respect in the eyes of Allah. Muslims should start the new year by fasting and repenting for their sins. Prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran offer additional benefits.

All these steps are compulsory to perform Hajj and seek the blessings and forgiveness of Allah (SWT). For those who are unable to perform Hajj this year, it is a blessed time to do more positive deeds. These can be anything including a small amount of charity, respecting one’s parents, and forbidding evil deeds. One of the mindful acts of prayer is paying Zakat on time. All these good deeds and prayers to Allah are the best way to seek the blessing of Hajj and forgiveness.

The new year presents a chance to repent for past deeds and seek forgiveness from Allah, Almighty. Muslims can indulge in spiritual reflections and self-realization. The time is appropriate to devote oneself to Allah for more blessings.

The Islamic New Year provides a great opportunity to honor the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims can learn from the journey taken by the prophet. They can take strength from the resilience shown by the prophet.

The month of Muharram also entails the date when Imam Hussein was mercilessly martyred at the Battle of Karbala. It’s a journey of sacrifice and resilience on the path of righteousness. The time can be utilized to remember Imam Hussein’s sacrifice.

Gaining the mercy and blessings of Allah Almighty should be the ultimate goal. Muslims can strive to begin the Islamic new year with the determination of personal and spiritual growth. Muslims should focus on self-improvement and set achievable high goals for themselves.

Muslims make sure to celebrate the Islamic New Year with families and friends. They can also engage themselves in charitable acts and can provide meals for the needy. Muslims can also strengthen the bond in the community and share positivity with others.

To conclude, the Islamic New Year is the paramount spiritual journey of Muslims throughout the twelve months of the new Islamic Hijri year. This article sheds light on every aspect of the Islamic New Year to rejuvenate the religious spirits of Muslims and help them earn the rewards of both worlds by observing the holiest Islamic months under the guidelines of Almighty Allah.