Islamic New Year: Time of reflection and renewal of spirits
Nasima Begum, Media Officer for the Muslim Council of Britain, writes about the significance of the Islamic New Year and explains how Muslims will spend their first month of the Islamic calendar.
On 25th October 2014*, Muslims all over the world will welcome the Islamic New Year 1436. Each new month within the Islamic Calendar is ushered in with the sighting of the new moon.
The New Year begins with the first day of the month of Muharram, the first in the Islamic Calendar, and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur'an*.
It is a month in which many significant events have taken place in Muslim history from which there are lessons to be drawn.
How the Islamic Calendar Came About
The first Islamic year began in 622 AD and is dated from the time of Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) from Makkah to Medina. The Prophet Muhammad was warmly welcomed by the people of Medina where a Muslim community soon emerged.
Traditionally Muslims do not hold a celebration for the Islamic New Year.
Instead, this is a time to consider the sacrifices and contributions of those who dedicated their lives in the service of the Creator.
The Day of Ashura
Many significant events fall in the month of Muharram. These include the 10th day, known as Ashura.
According to Islamic traditions, it is the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel were saved by the miracle of the parting of the sea while Pharoah and his army perished.
Many Muslims observe fast on the Day of Ashura and the day preceding it, in remembrance and gratefulness to God.
The day is also particularly notable for the tragic massacre at Karbala, in Iraq in 61 A.H. of Imam Hussain, may God be pleased with him, his family and supporters. They sacrificed their lives in order to uphold the Prophet's message of justice and standing up to tyranny.
The wish to spread the story and values of Imam Hussain continues to this today, with Shia communities leading candle-lit vigils and processions in the UK with the aim of raising awareness and also imparting the core message of freedom and justice.
Many Muslims in London and across the UK will be fasting on this day to commemorate and reflect on past events in history.
Many Mosques and Islamic centres will be holding special events and inspirational talks for the community.
In Muslim tradition, the day of Ashura is also when God saved Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) [May God be pleased with him] from the fire in which he had been placed by those who rejected his message of monotheism.
Both the event and concept of Hijrah (migration) and the many significant events commemorated in the month of Muharram provide the vision, inspiration and opportunity for solemn reflection and renewal of spirits for the Muslim community.
*25 October- Subject to the sighting of the moon.
*Holy Quran- Is the holy scripture in Islam and accepted as the word of God.