The Islamic world celebrates New Year 1434

Muslim world marks the start
of Amon Jadid or Islamic New Year on the first day
of Muharram, the first month of Hijrah, the Islamic
lunar calendar, on November 15, 2012. Hijrah refers
to the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his
followers from Mecca to Medina, where they set up
the first Islamic state.
Amon Jadid may not be as festive as other Muslim
holidays such as the Eidl’ Fitr and Eidl’ Adha, but it
is greeted with great hope and optimism. The
celebration is simple and sober, marked by
activities such as greetings of peace, prayers, and
reflection. Muslims pay homage to Prophet
Muhammad by reading books about his life and
works, recalling his Islamic teachings of
moderation, religious tolerance, and love for peace,
and retelling his migration, through the Qur’an. They
review the past year, examine their personal life
and relations with family and friends. It is an
occasion to reconcile differences with fellow
Muslims.
The beginning of the Hijrah calendar is traced to
Umar ibn Al-Khattab, a close companion of Prophet
Muhammad. Under his leadership, a discussion was
made about the dating systems then in use.
Advisors agreed that Muhammad’s move from
Mecca to Medina would be the central event, the
turning point in the history of the newly formed
Islamic community. The calendar used in many
Islamic nations today counts years from the date of
the Hijrah. The date of the Islamic New Year
changes each year as the lunar-based Hijrah is 11
days shorter than the solar calendar.
Hijrah lasts about 354 days and consists of 12 lunar
months, namely, Muharram, Safar, Rabee’ Al-
Awwal, Rabe’i al-Aakhir, Jumaadaa al-Oulaa,
Jumaadaa al-Aakhirah, Rajab, Sha’baan,
Ramadhaan, Shawwaal, Thul-Qi’dah, and Thul-
Hijjah. Muharram follows the month is which the
Ansaar or followers of the Prophet pledged
allegiance to the Prophet before his migration to
Medina. The pledge was an introductory act of the
migration itself and Muharram was deemed by the
Prophet’s followers as most suitable month to start
the Islamic calendar.
We wish the Entire Muslim populace in their celebration of Amon Jadid or Islamic New Year. May Amon Jadid bring peace and unity among our Muslim brothers and sisters. HAPPY ISLAMIC
NEW YEAR!