The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Muharram, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. While it is not a major celebration like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, it is still considered a significant time for reflection, gratitude, and setting new goals. Here are some ways to celebrate the Islamic New Year.
How To Celebrates The Muharram?
Take some time to reflect on the previous year, assess your actions, and contemplate areas for improvement. Consider your spiritual growth, relationships, and overall well-being. Express gratitude for blessings received and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.
Seek knowledge: The Islamic New Year is an excellent time to renew your commitment to learning about Islam. Attend lectures or sermons at the mosque or Islamic centers, read books on Islamic history and teachings, or engage in online courses or webinars.
Offer Prayers and Supplications: Spend time in prayer and supplication, seeking guidance and blessings for the upcoming year. Offer extra voluntary prayers, recite Qur’an, and engage in remembrance of Allah.
Fast on the day of Ashura: The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds special significance. It is recommended to fast on this day as a way of expressing gratitude, reflecting on the sacrifice of Imam Hussein, and seeking forgiveness. However, it’s important to note that fasting on Ashura is optional, and some scholars recommend fasting on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram or the 10th and 11th day to distinguish it from Jewish traditions.
Set goals: Use the Islamic New Year as an opportunity to set spiritual, personal, and professional goals for the year ahead. Reflect on areas where you want to improve and strive to be a better Muslim, friend, family member, and community member. The Islamic New Year is a time for community and bonding. Gather with family and friends, share meals, and engage in conversations about Islam, reflection, and future aspirations. Use this time to strengthen relationships and create a positive atmosphere.
Perform acts of charity: Show kindness and generosity to others by engaging in acts of charity. Donate to charitable organizations, volunteer your time, or assist those in need within your community. This helps create a spirit of giving and compassion as you enter the new year.
Why Muharram Festival Celebrates?
Moharram is an important month in the Islamic calendar, and it is observed by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the events of the Battle of Karbala, which occurred in the year 680 CE (AH 61) during the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as Muharram.
The Battle of Karbala is a significant event in Islamic history that resulted in the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions. Imam Hussein, along with his family and a small group of loyal followers, stood against the tyrannical ruler of the time, Yazid ibn Muawiyah, in an attempt to uphold the principles of justice, righteousness, and the true teachings of Islam.
Imam Hussein and his companions were outnumbered and faced immense hardship, including deprivation of food and water, in the desert of Karbala, in present-day Iraq. On the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, Imam Hussein and his companions were brutally martyred after enduring great suffering.
The martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his steadfastness in the face of oppression became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice for Muslims, particularly the Shia community. Moharram is observed as a time of mourning, reflection, and remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala. Muslims participate in processions, hold gatherings, and deliver sermons to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussein and his companions.
During Moharram, many Muslims, especially Shias, engage in practices such as mourning processions, recitation of elegies and poems (known as marsiya and noha), and reenactments of the events of Karbala to express grief and solidarity with the sufferings of Imam Hussein. Some individuals also engage in acts of self-flagellation, although this practice is controversial and not universally accepted within the Islamic community.
It is important to note that while Moharram is a significant event for Muslims, the way it is observed can vary among different cultures, regions, and sects within Islam. The overall objective remains the remembrance of Imam Hussein’s sacrifice and the lessons of standing against injustice and oppression.
Remember that the celebration of the Islamic New Year is primarily a personal and reflective practice. The specific ways of observing may vary based on cultural traditions and individual preferences. The key is to use this time as an opportunity for self-reflection, gratitude, seeking knowledge, and setting positive intentions for the year ahead.