

The first Islamic month is Muḥarram, a sacred time for prayer and reflection for both Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Unlike many traditions that celebrate the new year as a joyous occasion, the Islamic New Year is typically a somber affair. means Anno Hegirae – the year of the hijra, or emigration. It is also believed to be the day of the Prophet Muḥammad’s conception in the year 570.Ĭurrently, while much of the world sees this as 2021, it is the Islamic year 1443, starting on Aug. The Islamic calendar marks that beginning in Medina.Īdditionally, the Islamic New Year is associated with the prophets of the Christian faith as well: This is the day when Noah’s Ark is believed to have to have come to rest on land, the day on which God forgave Adam, the day of Joseph’s release from prison, the day of the births of Jesus, Abraham, and Adam, throughout the ages. Despite Muhammad being from Mecca, his new faith and followers were persecuted for their beliefs. 622 to establish the first Muslim community. Year one of the hijrī calendar is based on the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in the year A.D. It also means that the Islamic New Year is never on the same date and would also depend on the sighting of the moon.

That’s why the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan can fall in October one year, and a few years later it would be in July. It would be over 32 to 33 years that the lunar calendar will completely cycle the solar calendar. There are 12 months in the hijrī calendar, with each month being 29 or 30 days long. Conversely, the Islamic calendar or hijrī, is a lunar calendar. Much of the world today follows the Gregorian solar calendar, which has its origins in medieval Western Christianity. Iqbal Akhtar, Florida International University Thomas Elghanayan in honor of Nourollah Elghanayan, Photo: Brooklyn Museum A late 19th-early 20th century painting by Abbas Al-Musavi depicting the Battle of Karbala, which occurred in 680.
