Islamic New Year – 1st Muharram (July 8, 2024)
Day of Ashura (Fasting recommended; Remembrance of Karbala)
- 10 Muharram, July 17, 2024
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or 1st Muharram, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, it is a solemn occasion observed with prayers, reflection, and historical remembrance rather than celebrations.
Significance of Muharram and the Islamic New Year:
- Start of the Hijri Calendar:
- The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, began with the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
- It is a lunar calendar with 12 months based on the moon’s cycle.
- One of the Four Sacred Months:
- Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, as mentioned in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36).
- Warfare and violence were traditionally forbidden during this month.
- A Time for Reflection & Worship:
- Muslims seek forgiveness, offer prayers, and increase good deeds at the beginning of the new year.
- It is not a festive celebration like New Year’s in other cultures but rather a time of spiritual renewal.
- Historical Events in Muharram:
- The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) is observed for its deep historical and religious significance.
- It is the day Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers were saved from Pharaoh, leading to the tradition of fasting on Ashura.
- It is also the day of Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala, a significant event in Islamic history.
- Recommended Acts on Islamic New Year:
- Reciting the Quran & offering extra prayers (Nafl Salah).
- Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and making dua for the new year.
- Remembering the sacrifices of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
- Fasting (especially on the 9th and 10th of Muharram) as per the Sunnah.
Dua for the Islamic New Year:
“اللهم أدخل علينا هذا الشهر بالأمن والإيمان، والسلامة والإسلام، والعافية المجللة، ودفاع الأسقام، والعون على الصلاة والصيام وتلاوة القرآن، اللهم سلمنا لرمضان، وسلمه لنا وتسلمه منا متقبلاً يا أرحم الراحمين.”
Translation:
“O Allah, let this month arrive upon us with security, faith, safety, Islam, good health, protection from illnesses, and help us in prayer, fasting, and Quran recitation. O Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan and accept it from us.