New Year

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

We have just entered the New Year, the year of 1430 that is. Though the New Year is not recognized as a holy day in Islam, it is important we briefly shed some light on what it is all about.

The Hijri calendar is based on the moon; hence it is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar calendar and as such, the dates shift each year with respect to the Gregorian (solar) calendar. It is the calendar adopted by Muslims worldwide in determining when to celebrate important Islamic events.

It is named 'Hijri' because it is based on Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him) and his companions Hijra (or migration) from Mekkah to Medina.

The Hijra was chosen as the starting point for the calendar by the second Caliph, Umar the Great, as that particular year was seen as a turning point in the history of Islam. Each Hijri year, Muslims are reminded of the sacrifices made by the early Muslims as they migrated from Mekkah to Medina in ensuring Islam reaches us today.

The Hijri calendar has 12 months as Allah (Glorified and exalted be He) states in the noble Quran, the translation of which is: "The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve, so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth" (Chap. Tauba 9: verse 36).

We pray that the New Year brings us blessings, provisions and pleasure of Allah for all years to come. Ameen.