The Observance of the Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year is marked by the end of the prophet Muhammad's journey from Medina to Mecca.
The first month of the Islamic lunar calendar is called Muharram. Al-Hijra is observed on the first day of Muharram, but some celebrations continue into the second day.
The first month of the Islamic lunar calendar is called Muharram. Al-Hijra is observed on the first day of Muharram, but some celebrations continue into the second day.
Daily life during Al-Hijra
The main goal of the day is for rest and reflection, rather than celebration. At dawn, men will go to the mosque for prayer. Schools and offices close for the day so that families can be together to set their intensions for the new year. Some Muslim countries will have special evening services at the mosque where there will be prayers and Quran recitations.
On the second day of Muharram, a special dish is consumed, rice with vermicelli. Some believe that eating this dish will increase income, prolongation of employment, and chances of having children. It is important that the vermicelli noodles are broken into one-inch pieces.
Gulevich, T. (2004). Section Three: Calendar System, Holidays, and Other Days of Observance. In Understanding Islam and Muslim traditions: An introduction to the religious practices, celebrations, festivals, observances, beliefs, folklore, customs, and calendar system of the world's Muslim communities, including an overview of Islamic history and geography (pp. 249–370). essay, Omnigraphics.
Islamic Holidays and Festivals. ReligionFacts. (2021, March 8). Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://religionfacts.com/holidays.
Lemon, J. (2018, September 11). Five things to know about the islamic hijri New Year. Newsweek. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://www.newsweek.com/five-things-know-about-islamic-hijri-new-year-1115452.
Islamic Holidays and Festivals. ReligionFacts. (2021, March 8). Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://religionfacts.com/holidays.
Lemon, J. (2018, September 11). Five things to know about the islamic hijri New Year. Newsweek. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://www.newsweek.com/five-things-know-about-islamic-hijri-new-year-1115452.