A Guide to the Islamic New Year and Its Meaning
The New Islamic Year is just around the corner. It follows the Lunar cycle around religiously. The Islamic calendar is very different than Gregorian calendar. Even though, both of them consist of twelve months yet for different reasons. In illustration, followers of later take New Year as a time of complete celebration with Owl City’s Good Time. On contrary, the former ones grieve in it with Baba Jan by Farhan Ali Waris. Thus, new year is different for people around the globe.
Besides, the Islamic months have also incorporated other events. One such event is that of Karbala. It is considered synonymous with Muharram. As the whole tragedy took place in the first Islamic month of Muharram. Its recollections are still highlighted in the works of Noha reciters like Amjad Sabri and Amjad Baltistani. These artists are keeping the tale fresh in our minds. Therefore, reminding faithful men to take lessons from the history for leading a righteous life.
Islamic New Year – New Dawn
The Islamic calendar started when Prophet (S.A.W.) migrated to Madina. This mass migration of a leader and his followers in faith gave birth to the word, “Hijiri”. Therefore, the Islamic calendar begins from 622 AD. It was an act to protect their faith. As the non-believers made it difficult for the men of faith to practice their religion. Thus, the residents of Makkah had to leave their original home behind. However, they settled and stayed on the right path which matters the most.
Historical Importance
Other than origin of Islamic New Year, there is Karbala. This is one of the greatest tragedies in the whole Muslim World. Moreover, it involves a battle but imagine the most brutal one you ever see. Ironically, the stories always said that the good always wins and evil loses. However, in this battle, the good lost but its impact has made it win in the long run.
Today, the believers conduct public mourning. It discusses the bravery of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) grandson Hussain ibn Ali (RA). They do not consider the victorious Umayyad Caliph Yazid I. For the former came to hold talks with 72 men while the later gave the battle cry, bringing in 4,000 men. The result being the deaths of most of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) loved ones. Besides this, their suffering is a tale immersed in a pain like no other. They were held captives. Their provisions were snatched away and after death, their bodies were amputated.
Ways to Welcome Islamic New Year
The faithful people welcome Islamic New Year in a different way. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic New Year also contains the tragic events of 61 A.H. So, it is not completely the time of merriment and celebration. However, we should take lessons from such historic events. Therefore, here are some ways to start the Islamic New Year 1446 A.H.
1. Religious Practices
The people increase acts of worships through these days. The obligatory prayers are performed timely. People also pray attentively. So, Islamic New Year renews the dedication of the believers to works on their religious beliefs. People fast on 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram. Whereas the 10th of the month marks the day of “Ashura”, when the actual battle of Karbala took place. As these occasions are when a believer should work on their religious habits to make these permanent.
2. Productive Meetings
Another great aspect of Muharram is that some Muslims spend it with their loved ones. While the others come together as a community. “Majilis” is one such grand gathering. It is where the historic events of Karbala are recollected. Majilis’s solely conducted to grieve over the deaths of Imam Hussain (R.A.) and his family. Furthermore, such gatherings send a positive message of unity among the Muslim Ummah. It also increases the knowledge of our cultural aspects.
3. Reflective Thoughts
Like the new year everywhere else, Muslims can also set new goals. Islamic New Year should have a positive start like any occasion. So, one can recall what things they want to change from the previous year. Moreover, people can also set both minor and major goals for the year. This clears the mind and save you from cluttering of thoughts. Thus, the Islamic New Year mean a transformed you in both religious and worldly matters.
4. Lessons in History
Make sure that you focus on the moving forward. Therefore, do ponder upon the journey of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) from his beloved Makkah to Madina. Everyone knew how much our Prophet (S.A.W.) loved living in Makkah. Yet, he sacrificed everything for his religion’s sake. So, we should also learn to strike a balance between things we love and hate. Know that these are both extremely powerful emotions. Additionally, a balance between these is as vital as maintaining your worldly life and life of Hereafter.
Besides this, consider another illustration. The brutal scenes of Karbala are profoundly imprinted upon the minds of everyone. However, one should learn how to handle loss of one’s loved ones, and above all stay strong. Yet, it also teaches us all a lot about bravery. It conveys that victory does not just belong to those with muscular power. The pure intentions let you win in the long run. Thus, people praise Imam Hussain (R.A.) today instead of Caliph Yazid I.
Conclusion
In short, the blog lets you know all about the Islamic New Year. The origins of Hijiri calendar and difference between the Gregorian and Islamic calendar. Apart from this, the New Islamic Year also consists of the tragedy of Karbala as well. Furthermore, the blog also sheds light on some methods practiced around this time. Primarily, practicing the basics of religion. Secondarily, some people get together with families during this time. While others gather in fruitful community discussions to recapitulate the events of Karbala. Next, it is also the best time to go through a self-reflection journey. Finally, take out the lessons from even the worst of circumstances. Hence, implement these ways to have a prosperous Islamic New Year.
