Origin of the Muslim Lunar Calendar
What is Muharram in Islam?
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.
Do Muslims Celebrate New Year?
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.