It’s been six months since the new year for most people, but for Muslims, the new year is just getting started. While the Gregorian calendar that we use today is centred on the movements of the Sun, and the birth of Jesus Christ, the Islamic calendar, called the Hijri calendar, has a different setup, centred on the moon and another key event. Maira Butt explains
What is the Islamic calendar?
The Islamic calendar, or the Hijri calendar, starts from the time of Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. That migration took place in 622, and was fraught with difficulties, sparked by opposition to Muhammad’s teaching of Islam in the city.
Tensions had begun to arise in Mecca as people began to convert to Islam, and tribes in the region began fearing a loss of their own influence and authority. The entire migration took three months, and is estimated to have involved 70 to 80 people.
When does Islamic New Year begin and end?
The Islamic New Year comprises 12 lunar months, which begin and end with the phases of the moon. The new month is ushered in by the observation of the crescent (Hilal), but astronomical calculations are also used in many countries.
The year is slightly shorter, 354 or 355 days, which explains why it aligns slightly differently with the Gregorian calendar every year. Its months are (in order): Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul al-Qa’dah and Dhul al-Hijjah.
They each have a spiritual significance and key events that mark each, for example Ramadan is the month of fasting and Dhul al-Hijjah the month of the Hajj pilgrimage.
We are currently in the Hijri year 1446AH (Anno Hegirae — the year of the Hijra), which began in July 2024.
How is it celebrated?
Islamic New Year is expected to commence on 27 June, subject to moon sightings. The first day of the month of Muharram is more of a reflective and introspective occasion, a contrast with the fireworks and drink-laden parties that mark the start of the Gregorian.
Some, particularly Shia Muslims, fast in the days leading up to the tenth of the month (Ashura), and refrain from activities such as music. For the Shia community, the first days of Muharram are a period of mourning following the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husayn, at Karbala.
Prayers for protection are also made in reverence to Allah’s control over the affairs of people. “O Allah, bring it upon us with security, faith, safety, Islam, Your pleasure, and protection from the devil,” is one such supplication.
