Holiday - Islamic New Year, Al-Hijra, Muharram, Muslims
Islamic New Year
Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. New Year's Day is
used to remind Muslims of the Hiraj or migration, of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Islamic New Year is based on the revolutions of the Moon. Thus, Al-Hijra is only 354 days long.
Muslims celebrate Islamic New Year's Day (Al-Hijra) in very different manner from other celebrations. Muslims gather in
mosques and offer special prayers and listen to special readings from the Koran.
Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. New Year's Day is
used to remind Muslims of the Hiraj or migration, of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.