A Guide to Islamic New Year – History, Significance and Celebrations

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, is the first day of the Islamic calendar. It marks the beginning of a new year in the lunar-based Islamic calendar, which is approximately eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This year, the Islamic New Year falls on August 20th, and it is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world.The Islamic calendar is followed by Muslims worldwide and is based on the lunar phases. The Hijri calendar was established by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the year 622 CE, after his migration from Mecca to Medina. The Arabic calendar consists of 12 months, and the first month is called Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The Islamic New Year is a time of reflection, renewal, and gratitude for Muslims. It is a time to look back on the past year and make plans for the year ahead. The Islamic New Year is a holy day for Muslims, but it is not a public holiday in most countries. The date of the Islamic New Year varies each year, as it follows the lunar calendar. The first day of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, is considered a blessed day by Muslims. The Islamic New Year is a time of remembrance, as it commemorates the journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year by attending special prayers and sermons at mosques. Some Muslims observe a fast on the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, to commemorate the day that Moses was saved from the Egyptians by God. Many Muslims also spend the day reflecting on the past year and making plans for the year ahead. Some communities also hold parades and processions on the Islamic New Year, in which men and children carry banners and flags as a symbol of unity and brotherhood. The Islamic New Year is also a time for Muslims to give charity and help those in need, as it is believed that good deeds on this day are multiplied. In some countries, special foods and drinks are prepared and shared with friends and family to celebrate the Islamic New Year. Children are given gifts and new clothes to wear on the day of the Islamic New Year. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar does not have leap years, so the Islamic New Year falls on the same day each year. The year 2020 is the Islamic year 1442, which began on August 20th, 2020 and will end on August 9th, 2021. While the Islamic New Year is not as widely celebrated as other Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, it is still an important day for many Muslims. In some countries, schools and businesses may be closed on the Islamic New Year, as it is a significant day for Muslims. The Islamic New Year is celebrated differently across different countries and cultures, but the essence of the holiday remains the same – to remember and honor the journey of the prophet Muhammad and to pray for blessings and guidance in the coming year.