Al-Hijra, Muslim New Year, marks the beginning of Islam using a lunar calendar.
It’s not a major holiday. There are no special rules to follow. It’s more a cultural day than a religious day, but it is a public holiday in many Islamic countries.
Some Muslims ponder new year’s resolutions, just like everybody else does at their new year’s. It’s a moment to reflect, remember and be grateful. It’s also a time to not fight, so soldiers may lay down their weapons.
Al Hijra 2023
The Muslim New Year 1445 AH begins at sunset, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
The date of Al Hijra is set by astronomical calculations. It commemorates the “hijra,” when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE to be able to worship freely. By leaving his home city, it is said that the Prophet demonstrated that faith is bigger than family.
This is the beginning of Islam and the start of the Islamic calendar. Islamic dates end with AH which stands for “after Hijra.”
Al Hijra is a moment that says we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We experience it through community and gratitude.
Muharram
Muharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar, is a solemn sacred month.
The tenth day of Muharram is an important day in Islam. It is commemorated differently by Sunni, Shia and Sufi Muslims.
