The month of Muharram not only marks the start of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar but also a period rich in historical and spiritual significance. Since it’s based on the observation of the new moon, its date varies each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.
Following the sighting of the crescent moon, Morocco officially announced the beginning of Muharram for Friday, June 27th, making Saturday, June 28th, the first actual day of the year 1447. The occasion was celebrated with well wishes to the Moroccan people from King Mohammed VI and the Royal Family. However, it’s interesting to note that not all countries agreed on the date. Nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recognized Thursday as the first day, meaning for them, the Muslim New Year began on June 26th, with Ashura on July 6th.
The profound meaning of the new Hijri year lies in the commemoration of the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This was a crucial moment for the establishment of the Islamic community and the beginning of its expansion, serving not only as the cornerstone upon which this time measurement is founded but also as a moment of reflection, spirituality, and renewal.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, along with Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Rajab. During these months, hostilities are forbidden, and Muslims are encouraged to engage in spiritual practices and good deeds, and to reflect on their intentions for the new year.
The tenth day of Muharram is Ashura, an occasion rich in traditions that vary significantly among different Muslim communities. For many Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a day of voluntary fasting, seen as an opportunity to expiate minor sins and for spiritual reflection. It is also a time of generosity and celebration, during which children often receive gifts, tables are laden with dried fruits, nuts, and traditional dishes, and the atmosphere is filled with joy, singing, and musical instruments.
In the Shi’a world, however, Ashura takes on a profoundly different tone, transforming into a day of deep mourning and contemplation, because it commemorates the tragic martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn ‘Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, which occurred in Karbala in 680 CE. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to Karbala to honor the Imam through solemn processions, poetic recitations, and dramatic reenactments.
In North Africa, Ashura presents a more festive tone, where religious elements blend with popular customs that may have roots in pre-Islamic eras or Berber traditions. Here, the day is characterized by lively gatherings and parades, and typical sweets, such as “Ashura fritters,” are prepared, adding a touch of conviviality to the celebration.
The Islamic New Year, with its wealth of celebrations and profound meanings, offers us a glimpse into the variety of cultural and religious traditions that enrich our world.
Happy Islamic New Year to all! May the year 1447 bring relief to those who are suffering and have suffered the most, with the wish that we all can be bearers of hope and peace.
