Islamic New Year has begun, here is everything you need to know about this significant month in the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic year is lunar, so all dates are based on a confirmed sighting of the moon nearer the time.
While Muslims all around the world welcome Islamic New Year with prayers, it is significant to know how the Islamic calendar started and why Muharram has such deep roots in Islamic history.
In the seventeenth year of Hijra (Arabic for emigration), the Muslims ummah were facing many problems in terms of keeping track of days and time.
It was to resolve this issue that Prophet Umar Ibn Al Khattab (ra) called for a gathering with his Shura Council to introduce the Islamic Calendar for people to follow.
There were many disagreements between council members when deciding upon which year should mark the start of calendar.
Few suggest that death of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) should mark the beginning of New Year, but it was rejected since it was considered a time of grief.
Others suggested the birth year of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), which was also rejected due to uncertainty about the Prophet’s birth year.
Alas, it was Ali Ibn Talib (ra) who decided that the Hijra should be the first year of our calendar, because this was the year when the situation of the Muslims changed from persecution to honour.
Why was Muharram chosen a first month and what is its significance?
After the year was decided, now was time to discuss what month should be the first in calendar.
Few suggested ‘Ramadan’, since it was holiest of all, others suggest ‘Dhul-Hijjah’ since Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place during that month.
Muharram was decided by Usman ibn Affan (ra) because it came after ‘Dhul-Hijjah’ and it would be significant in terms of starting a new beginning after all sins have been erased.
Significant facts about Muharram:
* First Muharram-ul-Haraam day of passing of Umar Farooq-e-A’zam
The second caliph, Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Umar Farooq-e-A’zam (ra) ُ was buried on the first of Muharram-ul-Haraam 24 AH.
* 10 Muharram-ul-Haraam
Sayyiduna Adam (ra) was born on the day of ‘Ashura (i.e. 10 Muharram-ul-Haraam). He was given entry into Paradise on this day and his repentance was accepted on this day.
* 10 Muharram-ul-Haraam and the incident of Karbala
The Grandson of the Prophet, the rider of the shoulders of Mustafa, the high ranking Imam, Sayyiduna Imam Husayn (ra) and his companions were martyred in the field of Karbala on 10 Muharram 61 AH.
* 10 of Muharram is also called as day of ‘Ashura’ which means ‘tenth’ during which many Muslims fast since it is a day of great significance.
Muslims from Shia community (third Islamic branch), take great prejudice in celebrating this day and month in general for the sacrifices of Prophet Hussayn and his companions.
From scared rituals to endless prayers, this day is one of the most important ones in the whole month.
* 14 Muharram-ul-Haraam Passing away of Mufti-e-A’zam Hind
The Prince of A’la Hadrat, Sayyiduna Mufti-e-A’zam Hind, ‘Allamah Maulana Mufti Muhammad Mustafa Raza Khan (ra) passed away on 14 Muharram-ul-Haraam 1402 AH
* 18 Muharram-ul-Haraam Passing away of Mufti-e-Dawat-e-Islami
The (late) Rukn of Dawat-e-Islami’s Markazi Majlis-e-Shura, the commentator of the Holy Quran, Mufti of Dawat-e-Islami, Hafiz Haji Muhammad Farooq Attari Madani (ra) passed away on 18 Muharram-ul-Haraam 1427 AH.
* 14 or 15 AH Muharram-ul-Haraam Battle of Al-Qaadisiyah
The Battle of Al-Qaadisiyah took place on the 14 or 15 Muharram-ul-Haraam during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar Farooq-e-A’zam (ra) in which more than 10,000 Muslims fought against around 120,000 Iranian non-believers for four days.
Almighty gave the Muslims a great victory and assistance.
While Islamic New Year marks beginning of blessings, one must also remember the great sacrifices that Muslims before us made.
Muslims around the world honour this month in different ways. Some communities wear black clothing to express grief over assassination of Prophet Hussayn, while few fast and hold sacred rituals to pray for the Muslim Ummah.
Their endless efforts were the reason Muslim Ummah were able to have their own identity and land. It was for this reason why Muharram is sacred and celebrated with great pride and honour.
