Muslims across the world will welcome the Islamic New Year next week, which will mark the beginning of Muharram – the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Like other Islamic celebrations, the dates differ from year to year in relation to the Gregorian calendar, as they are based on the lunar cycle.
But what is Muharram, and when exactly is it?
What is Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year begins with the sighting of the new moon at sunset. The new moon signals the beginning of the month of Muharram – one of the four holy months of the Islamic calendar.
The Hijri New Year is the name given to the first day of the month.
Muharram is the second most holy month of the Islamic year, after Ramadan.
The word Muharram means “forbidden”, and many Muslims fast during this period. Muharram marks the anniversary of the historical battle of Karbala, when the grandson of Muhammad, Imam Hussein ibn Ali, was killed, and is widely commemorated by Shia Muslims.
The New Year also commemorates the emigration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, which was known as the Hijra, and gives the day its name.
Islamic years are usually followed by the letter ‘H’, for Hijra, or ‘AH’, for the Latin term Anno Hegirae, meaning ‘in the year of the Hijra’.
What year is it?
At the moment the Islamic year is 1437 AH. From next week, it will be 1438 AH.
The first Islamic year was in 622 CE.
When is it?
Hijri New Year will fall on 3 October for most Muslims this year.
The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calandear, is based on lunar cycles and for this reason, it means the dates of significant events shift each year in comparison to the Gregorian calendar.
In some Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, astronomical calculations are used to determine the dates of the Islamic calendar, instead of the sighting of a new moon, and for this reason, there are sometimes differences of up to two days between those groups using lunar sightings and those using astronomical calculations.
How is the New Year celebrated?
For many Muslims, the New Year represents a period for self-reflection and historical awareness. Prayers and fasting build up towards the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura, when the massacre at Karbala is remembered.
Karbala is around 100km south of Baghdad in Iraq.
Mourning congregations gather to express grief, with Shia Muslims commonly practicing chest beating, known as the Latyma, and sometimes self-flagellation and the cutting of their foreheads.
Sunni Muslims regard Ashura as a day of respect and gratitude for the prophet Moses.
