Tomorrow is Al-Hijra, also known as the Islamic New Year, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year and is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It’s observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is a pivotal event in Islamic history.
It recognises the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which was a turning point for the Muslim community, establishing a new socio-political order and marking the beginning of the first Islamic community, or Ummah.
While the observance of Al-Hijra varies among different cultures and countries, it’s generally recognised as a solemn and respectful occasion. In some regions, it’s marked by special prayers, sermons, and community gatherings whilst in others it may be observed quietly as a day of reflection and remembrance. Additionally, educational campaigns are often conducted to educate the younger generations about the historical and spiritual significance of Al-Hijra.
Al-Hijra is more than just the celebration of the Islamic New Year; it is a reminder of a foundational event in Islamic history that symbolises faith, resilience, and hope. As Muslims worldwide welcome each new lunar year, they honour the legacy of the Prophet’s (PBUH) migration and reaffirm their commitment to the principles of Islam with many Muslims using this time as an opportunity to renew their faith, increase acts of worship, and engage in community prayers.
So, for all our colleagues who are celebrating tomorrow – Happy Hijra New Year!
Did you know?
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, was established in 638 CE by the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, to commemorate this momentous event. It’s a purely lunar calendar consisting of 12 months, totalling approximately 354 or 355 days, which causes the Islamic New Year to shift annually by about 10 to 11 days relative to the Gregorian calendar*.
*The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in the year 1582 AD, is the calendar used by most countries in the world today and is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun