The New Islamic Year, 1444 A.H., beginning with the month of Muharram, is expected to commence this evening (Friday, July 29), with Saturday (July 30) being the first day of the New Islamic Year (Muharram) – subject to the sighting of the new moon.
Muharram is one of the four sanctified months referred to in the Holy Quran, and is the month with which Muslims begin their lunar calendar, each month comprising 29 or 30 days only, making the Islamic year about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Although the month is blessed as a whole, the first ten days of Muharram are regarded by many as a tragic period in Islamic history, as it is during this time that the battle of Karbala took place. Muharram 10, is the most sacred amongst all of its days and is called ‘Ashurah’, as it is on this heart-rending day that the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Imaam Hussain (AS), was martyred. The Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadaan, are those of the month of Muharram.” For those who intend fasting on the day of Ashurah, it is recommended that two consecutive fasts be kept, either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
*The Laudium Sun wishes all our Muslim readers a peaceful and blessed Islamic New Year.
