The Islamic Hijri Calendar
The Islamic Calendar, also called Umm al-Qura, is a lunar calendar marked by the moon’s orbit around the Earth. It is known as the Hijri Calendar because it starts in 622 CE. The year of the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Makkah to Medina. Year 1 Hijri marks the establishment of the first Islamic state in Medina, making it significant for Muslims. Caliph ‘Umar bin al-Khattab instituted the Hijrah as the first Islamic Hijri year.
When does the Islamic New Year begin in 2024?
The 1st Muharram and the beginning of the Hijri New Year will occur on July 7, 2024 (subject to the sighting of the moon).
The moon’s sighting determines the start of the Umm al-Qura calendar (Islamic New Year). The entire calendar, including its religious and notable days, follows the lunar calendar, moving forward by about 11-12 days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar year.
In Islam, a new day begins at sunset. Therefore, the first day of the Islamic New Year technically starts at sunset on July 6 and continues until sunset on July 7, 2024 (subject to the moon sighting).
What is the significance of the Islamic New Year?
Although there are no prescribed days of worship for Muslims to observe on the 1st of Muharram or Hijri New Year, Muslims often use this time to reflect on the journey and struggle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Muslims of his time. The lead-up to establishing the first Islamic government and city involved many sacrifices and hardships. Around the Muslim world, the new year marks the beginning of the year and people’s annual plans.
How is the Islamic New Year celebrated?
There are no set customs or requirements for celebrating the Hijri New Year. However, since Muharram is one of the sacred months ordained by Allah (SWT), good acts are multiplied in reward. It is an opportune time for Muslims to engage in acts of sadaqah jariyah (charity), nafl (voluntary) prayers, fasting, and Qur’an recitation. The Islamic New Year is also a public holiday in many Muslim countries, allowing families to meet, reach out to loved ones, and strengthen kinship ties.
Virtues of the Islamic New Year
The beginning of the Islamic New Year is a time for reflection, commemoration, and seeking closeness to Allah Almighty. One of its greatest virtues is the opportunity for deep reflection.
It’s a time to review the past Islamic year, considering our decisions, good and bad deeds, changes in character, and how well we have fulfilled Allah’s rights and sought His pleasure. We should use this reflection to improve our lives and become closer to Allah Almighty.
Reflecting on our good and bad qualities is crucial, as we should work to correct any manners and character that may delay us from gaining Allah’s pleasure. Additionally, as we remember the hardships faced by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his family and their sacrifices to ensure Islam’s reach, the Islamic New Year is a time to show gratitude for being Muslim and having the gift of Islam that illuminates our lives.
Sending the gift of Salawat (salutations) to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a unique way to honor this day.
What is Hijrah Sharif?
Hijrah Sharif refers to Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic Calendar due to its significance for preserving Islam. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated to Madinah to escape Makkah’s brutal oppression and opposition. Accompanied by his beloved companion Abu Bakr (RA).
During Hijrah Sharif, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked his cousin Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (AS) to stay behind and return the possessions entrusted to him by others, ensuring everything was returned to even his enemies, demonstrating his trustworthiness.
“I saw in a dream that I was emigrating from Makkah to a land with date palms. I thought it was Al-Yamamah or Hajar, but it turned out to be Madinah, Yathrib.”
- Hadith | Bukhari
What happened on 1st Muharram in Islam?
The first day of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. The second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, initiated the Hijri calendar in 622 CE (1 AH – After Hijra) to mark Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. This migration occurred on the 1st of Muharram, establishing a new era in Islamic history. It was prompted by increasing persecution faced by Muslims in Mecca. It marked a turning point, ensuring the safety of the Prophet and his followers, allowing Islam to flourish in Medina, and leading to the establishment of the first Islamic state.
What to do on 1st Muharram?
The first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the beginning of the new Islamic year. There are no specific religious obligations or rituals prescribed for this day.
May Allah accept our good deeds from the past year. Happy Islamic New Year!
