The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, is very important to Muslims all around the world, especially in the UAE. It celebrates the journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD and marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Islamic New Year is marked as a public holiday in the UAE, allowing Muslims to reflect on the previous year and establish objectives for the current year. It is a time for spiritual reflection, rejuvenation, and asking Allah’s blessings.
The Hijri calendar, which is based on lunar cycles, has 12 months, each of which lasts 29 or 30 days. The lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is extensively used around the world. As a result, the Islamic New Year is not set in the Gregorian calendar and fluctuates from year to year.
The Islamic New Year is very important to Muslims since it represents a new beginning, both spiritually and personally. It acts as a remembrance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) travels and sacrifices during the migration to Medina. It’s a good opportunity to think on the ideals of togetherness, endurance, and faith.
Muslims frequently use this occasion to engage in acts of devotion such as increased prayers, Quran recitation, and charitable activities. It is a time for introspection, forgiveness, and striving to better one’s connection with Allah and one’s fellow humans.
The Islamic New Year is also a time for Muslims to unite as a community. To mark the significance of this date, special religious meetings, talks, and events are planned. Families and friends meet to greet one another, enjoy meals, and show appreciation for the year’s blessings.
As Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year in the UAE and throughout the world, it serves as a reminder of the value of religion, unity, and striving for personal and spiritual improvement. It is time to reinvigorate one’s dedication to Allah and begin a new chapter with renewed hope, resolve, and devotion. May the Islamic New Year bring all Muslims in the UAE and abroad blessings, peace, and prosperity.
