As the sun sets on the last day of Dhu al-Hijah, the tranquil moonlight of the Islamic new year enlightens the whole world with the sacred message of Allah. The Islamic new year is observed to mark the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD. The journey later came to be known as Hijra and the new year is called Hijri. Although the beginning of the year is auspicious for Muslims all around the world, it is also a time of mourning and remembrance of Imam Hussein’s sacrifice.
Islamic new year 2024 dates
According to the Gregorian calendar, the new year will be celebrated on the evening of the 6th of July 2024. Muslims all around the world will observe the 1st of Muharram 1446 AH with the individual traditions of their countries.
Significance of Islamic new year
As mentioned before, the new year is celebrated to mark the journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. Additionally, it is important among the Muslim community, as on the day the first Islamic state was established. The day helps Muslims to understand more about their origin and how the community was consolidated as one. The new year brings in the opportunity to become spiritual and get closer to Allah, the Almighty.
Islamic new year celebrations and traditions
The Islamic new year traditions can vary from culture to culture and country to country. However, the core of every tradition remains the same.
1. Fasting and offering prayers
Fasting is one of the top ways to gain respect in the eyes of Allah. It is also among the five pillars of Islam. Therefore, it is best to start your year by fasting and repenting for your sins. Muslims can also offer prayers and read verses from the Holy Quran for added benefits.
2. Spiritual renewal
The new year presents a gift of showing remorse for past deeds and seeking forgiveness from the almighty Allah. Muslims can indulge in activities such as spiritual reflections and self-realization. The time is appropriate to devote oneself to Allah and increase the act of worship.
3. Setting aspirations and goals
Though getting the blessings of Allah almighty should be the ultimate goal, Muslims can strive towards personal and spiritual growth. Additionally, they should promote love over hatred and ensure to build positive relationships. Muslims should focus on self-improvement and set achievable yet high goals for themselves.
4. Remembrance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Islamic New Year provides a great opportunity to remember and honor the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims can reflect on the meaning of the journey taken by the prophet. They can take inspiration from the resilience and perseverance shown by the prophet. Additionally, Muslims can use the occasion to spread the words from the Quran and promote brotherhood.
5. Commemorating Imam Hussein
The first month of the Islamic new year is Muharram. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The month also entails the date when Imam Hussein was martyred at the Battle of Karbala. The time can be utilized to reflect and remember Imam Hussein’s sacrifice. Many Muslims also mourn on the 10th of Muharram known as the day of Ashura to seek forgiveness from Allah.
6. Unity and community
With the opportunity to gain the blessings of Allah, one should make sure to celebrate the year with families and friends. Muslims can also engage in charity and can provide meals for the needy. Muslims can also strengthen the bond in the community and share happiness with others.
Islamic Lunar Calendar
Unlike the Gregorian Calendar which works on the rotation and revolution of the earth and is solar, the Islamic calendar works on the cycles of the moon. The Muslim calendar has 12 lunar months starting with the sighting of the new moon. The dates of the events can be different for different regions of the world. Islamic new year begins with the month of Muharram and ends with Dhu Al-Hijah. The year is 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
Important events in lunar new year 2024
As there were numerous miraculous days in the history of Islam, the lunar new year brings in several key dates that Muslims hold dear to them.
1. Islamic New Year (1st Muharram)
The 1st of Muharram is observed as the beginning of the new year in the Islamic Calendar. It is the time of the year when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made the journey from Makkah to Madinah.
2. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (12th Rabi’ al-Awwal)
Rabi al Awwal is a holy month in which the beloved Prophet Muhammad was born. The 12th of Rabi al awwal is observed as the birth date of Muhammad also known as Milad un Nabi Mawlid. Muslims can offer prayers, recite the Qur’an and learn about the teachings of the prophet.
3. Laylat al-Miraj (27th Rajab)
Rajab is among the four sacred months in Islam. It is also the month in which Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens after his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem. The miraculous night is known as Lyalat Al Miraj or Isra Miraj and can be used to reflect on past deeds.
4. Month of Ramadan
Considered as the holiest month in Islam, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk. They practice self-discipline and increased devotion during the month. They also focus on charity and donate Zakat as an obligatory act in the month.
Must Read: Ramadan 2024: Dates, Traditions, Significance And Guidelines
5. Laylat al-Qadr (27th Ramadan)
Being known by various names such as the Night of Power, and the Night of Revelations, Laylat Al Qadr is one the most sacred nights in Islam. It is the night when the first verse of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
6. Hajj (8th to 12th Dhu al-Hijjah)
Hajj is a sacred Muslims pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the five pillars of Islam. The holy pilgrimage is carried out in the month of Hajj which is Dhu Al Hijjah.
7. Eid al-Adha and Eid Al Fitr (10th to 12th Dhu al-Hijjah and 1st Shawwal)
The two Eids are a festival of celebration and days to honor Allah. Eid Al Adha is the festival of sacrifice while Eid Al Fitr is the festival of feast.
The Hijri new year 2024 is one of the significant events in the Muslim community. The Islamic new year marks the journey of Muhammad with the month of Muharram.
Islamic New Year 2024 FAQs
When is the Islamic new year in 2024?
The Islamic new year will start from the evening of 19th July 2024.
How do the Muslims celebrate new year?
Muslims observe the new year with repentance and remorse in their hearts. Further, they offer prayers, read the holy Quran, and do charity.
When is the Day of Ashura observed?
The Day of Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram.
What year will it be as per Islamic calendar this Muslim new year?
As per the Islamic calendar, the year 1446 AH will start from the 6th of July 2024.
