Islamic new year

Dark winter evenings and skies lit up by fireworks are how many in the northern hemisphere think of New Year celebrations. But for Muslims around the world, it is an occasion marked in contemplation and reflection. While some years it occurs in winter, it can also fall in all the other seasons. That is because it follows the lunar Islamic calendar, also known as the For this, the Hijri calendar holds religious significance for Muslims and was used exclusively for daily affairs until a process of westernisation under European imperial rule across most of the Muslim world gave prominence to the Gregorian calendar. Yet the Hijri calendar remains vital for Muslims, as it is used to determine the dates of important events, such as the start of Here, Discover answers some key questions about the Islamic New Year. Egyptian Sufi Muslims chant during a procession in Cairo's Al-Azhar Street marking the Islamic New Year (AFP) In Islamic tradition, the calendar day begins at sunset, so New Year's day is considered to officially start on the evening of the final day of Dhul Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the calendar. Dhul Hijah is also important for Muslims as it is the month that Hajj, the pilgrimage that is one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place. How do Muslims mark the New Year? While in many parts of the world New Year's eve is celebrated with elaborate parties, copious amounts of food and drink as well as setting resolutions, for Muslims, marking the start of a fresh y...