The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, is expected to start on July 19, according to astronomical calculations by a UAE-based astronomer. The new year marks the first day of Muharram, the first month of the lunar calendar followed by Muslims around the world.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, said that the crescent of Muharram will be born on July 17, making July 19 the first day of the new year and the month of Muharram. He added that the crescent will be visible in some parts of the world on July 18.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months that begin with the sighting of the new moon. The calendar dates back to 622 AD when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions migrated from Makkah to Madinah to escape persecution and establish the first Muslim community.
The month of Muharram is especially sacred and revered by Muslims, as it commemorates various historical and religious events. The most notable among them is the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali al-Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who killed in the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD. The battle fought between Hussain and his followers and the forces of Yazid ibn Muawiyah, who claimed to be the caliph but seen as a tyrant and an oppressor by many Muslims.
Ashura is also significant for Sunni Muslims, who believe that on this day that Prophet Nuh (Noah) left his ark after the great flood, Prophet Musa (Moses) saved from Pharaoh by God’s intervention and Prophet Yunus (Jonah) rescued from the belly of a whale. They mark this day by fasting voluntarily and performing acts of charity and worship.
