The new moon signals the beginning of the month of Muharram.
The Hijri New Year is the name given to the first day of the month.
Muharram marks the anniversary of the battle of Karbala, when the grandson of Muhammad (P.B.U.H), Imam Hussein ibn Ali, was killed, and is widely commemorated by the Shia Muslim sect.
The word ‘Muharram’ translates as ‘forbidden’ as all illegal acts are forbidden in this month, specifically any bloodshed and waging war.
Hijra is the day Muhammad (p.b.u.h) migrated from Mecca to Medina – to set up his new social order.
Muharram is a period for self-reflection and to remember the battle of Karbala.
Muslims usually do prayers and fasting build up towards the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura.
What year is Muharram?
It will be 1439 AH (AH stands for the Latin Anno Hegirae which means ‘in the year of the Hijra’)
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