Islamic New year

The Islamic New Year

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar that is used by Muslims to determine the dates of religious events and observances. It is based on the moon phases and the sighting of the crescent moon after each new moon.

The Islamic calendar has 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the moon. The Islamic year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so the Islamic months do not correspond to the seasons and shift backward each year.

The Islamic calendar was established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 622 CE, when he migrated from Mecca to Medina. This event, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic era and the first year of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is also called the Hijri calendar, from the Arabic word for migration.

The Islamic months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhira, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. Some of these months are considered sacred and waging war during them is forbidden. These are: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. The most important month is Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and perform extra prayers and acts of charity. Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr, which is a festival of breaking the fast and celebrating with family and friends.

Another important festival is Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail for God’s sake. Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca during this month and also sacrifice an animal and distribute its meat to the poor.

The Islamic calendar is not only used for religious purposes but also for cultural and historical reasons. Many Muslim countries and communities use the Gregorian calendar as their civil calendar alongside the Hijri calendar. However, some countries like Saudi Arabia use only the Hijri calendar for official purposes.

The Islamic calendar is a rich and diverse source of knowledge and inspiration for Muslims around the world. It connects them to their faith, history and culture and reminds them of their duties and obligations to God and humanity.

photo courtesy of Google