Islamic New year 2023: Significance and History of Muharram
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This year India will celebrate the Muharram on Thursday, July 20. First day of Muharram for Islamic New year 1445 is on July 19 2023 announced by Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is marking the beginning of the Islamic new year.
It is announced after seeing the crescent moon, that the end of the month of Dhul Hijjah is July 18, 2023. So, the first day of Muharram will be celebrated on wednesday, July 19.
Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle as shown in the Gregorian Calendar which decides the date of Muharram. Countries such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf countries can see the crescent moon a day before, rather than India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Morocco etc.
What is The Significance of Muharram?
Islamic year starts from Muharram, so the first month of the Islamic calendar is Muharram that globally holds significance for muslims. The first day of this month is known as AI hijri, Arabic New Year, Islamic New Year. It celebrates the migration of their prominent prophet Mohammad from Mecca to Medina and it holds importance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Muharram holds different values and significance by Sunni and Shia Muslims. It is celebrated in remembrance of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad – Hussein Ibn Ali. After this they get engaged in mourning, Shia muslims also participate in mourning processions, self-flagellation, and chest-back beating as the expression of grief. They participate in mourning rituals, processions, and gathering in mosques for prayer. On the other hand, Sunnis celebrate by fasting ‘sunnah’, and follow the tradition of Prophet Mohammad, who used to keep fast after Prophet Musa.
What is Ashura?
The 10th day of the Muharram is known as Ashura. People keep fast on this holy day of the festival and show gratitude to Allah for whatever they have. Processions are being carried out by a large number of people of muslim community on the 10th day “Ashura”. They also perform a mourning prayer, visit mosques for gathering, cry over the death and remember the sacrifice Hussain made for his people. Some people do chest and back beating, through a leather belt, sword etc, head-shaving etc. They give themselves punishment and this is the way they express their sorrow and gratitude to Allah.
Islamic New Year: What is The History of Muharram?
Muharram reminds us of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad and his fellow companions who participated at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The battle of Karbala reminds of the sacrifice and courage for fighting against tyranny. Imam Hussein’s refusal to the tyranny of ruler Yazid that utterly led him to sacrifice his life. The story of his honesty and sacrifices for justice and truth will be remembered and honoured during Muharram by all the people. His impressions will be motivating and inspiring for all of us to be a better human being. May Allah bless us with the start of this holy festival!!