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Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the second holiest month after Ramadan. (Image: Shutterstock)
The beginning of a new year inspires all Muslims to start something new and be optimistic about their future, even during the most difficult times of their lives.
The Islamic New Year is the first day of the new year of the Hijri lunar calendar. It is also the date on which the counting of years is incremented. Most Muslims mark the first day of the Islamic calendar year on the first day of Muharram. The era of the Islamic era (reference date) was designated as the year of the flight of Muhammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hegira, which corresponds to the year 622 AD in the Gregorian calendar.
The Islamic New Year begins at sunset each year, so the date varies. The Islamic lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, at 354 days (sometimes 355). However, the Islamic New Year also lasts 12 months. This year, the Islamic New Year will begin on Sunday, July 7.
WHEN IS MUHARRAM 2024?
SAUDI ARABIA
- The crescent moon of Muharram was not sighted on 5 July 2024 (29 Dhul Hijjah).
- Muharram 1446 began on 6 July 2024 after the afternoon prayers.
- This marks the Islamic New Year according to the Saudi Arabian calendar.
INDIA
- The crescent moon of Muharram was not sighted anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir on 6 July 2024.
- Muharram 1446 will begin on Monday, July 15.
- Ashura (10th day of Muharram) will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 17, 2024.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the second holiest month after Ramadan. After the month of Muharram comes Dhul al-Hijjah, during which Muslims perform the Hajj.
Meanwhile, the Islamic calendar calculates all religious commitments, such as prayer, fasting during Ramadan and pilgrimage, as well as dates of key events, such as holy nights and festivals.
Happy Islamic New Year 2024: Wishes and Quotes to Share
- I wish you and your family happiness and good health. I wish you all a wonderful year ahead. Happy Hijri New Year 2024.
- May Allah Almighty grant blessings to the Muslim Ummah and all Islamic countries.
- Praise and gratitude be to God, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Happy Hijri New Year.
- I send you my prayers for your health and that of your family. I wish you the best for the Hijri New Year.
- Let us all pray to Allah for a New Year filled with happiness, peace and the removal of all evil from the planet. Wishes for the Islamic New Year 2024.
- May this year bring great news for all life on Earth. Happy Islamic New Year 2024!
Islamic New Year 2024: Everything you need to know about the Hijri New Year
The Islamic New Year began in 622 AD, when Prophet Muhammad and his companions were forced to move from Mecca to Medina. They were persecuted for promoting the Islamic message in Mecca. He returned to Mecca after the conquest in 629 AD.
There are usually no major celebrations on the first day of the Islamic New Year, but some nations, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, have declared it a national holiday.
The first month of Muharram is extremely important for Shia Muslims because it marks the anniversary of the death of Muhammad's grandson, Husayn Ibn Ali al-Hussein. On the 10th of this month in 680 AD, he was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. This occasion is known as Ashura. Shias around the world mourn on this day and take part in Matam, a memorial parade.
Moreover, the beginning of a new year inspires all Muslims to start something new and be optimistic about their future, even in the most difficult times of their lives.
