Islamic New Year 2023: All You Need To Know About The Hijri New Year

Islamic New Year 2023: The Islamic New Year is also known as the  Hijri New Year. The day marks the beginning of the new lunar Hijri year and also the day on which the year count is increased. Most Muslims around the globe mark the first day of the month of Muharram as the start of the Islamic year. 

The start of the Islamic New Year, which will fall on July 19, has been set as the first day of Muharram for the Islamic year 1445 by Saudi Arabia. On July 18, the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah will come to a close, according to the announcement of the crescent moon's sighting. So, on Wednesday, July 19, the first day of Muharram will be observed. Whereas, India will mark the first day of Muharram on Thursday, 20 July. 

List of Months in the Islamic Calendar 2023

There are 12 months or 355 days in the Islamic Calendar, primarily used in Muslim nations and Western countries where Muslims celebrate religious festivals. Check the list below:

Islamic New Year: History

The Hijrah, or the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, which corresponds to 622 CE in the Gregorian calendar, was chosen as the epoch (reference date) of the Islamic period. The dates of key events, such as the celebration of holy nights and festivals, and all religious obligations, such as prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage, are determined in accordance with the Islamic Calendar 

Islamic New Year: Significance

The Islamic New Year holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. Islamic calendar begins with Muharram, which denotes a period of rejuvenation and spiritual reflection. It serves as a time for reflection, self-evaluation, and setting spiritual goals for the coming year. Muslims take this opportunity to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and make resolutions to enhance their relationship with Allah. It seeks to stress the virtues of justice, bravery, and resisting injustice while serving as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions.

Interesting facts About Islamic Calendar

• The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar based on the phases of the Moon.
• The Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar. 
• A year in the Islamic calendar consists of 354 or 355 days, while a year in the Gregorian calendar has 365 or 366 days.
• The Islamic calendar does not have a concept of a leap year like the Gregorian calendar.
• An intercalary month called "Adh-Dhul Hijjah" is added roughly once every three years.
• The exact date of the Islamic New Year varies from year to year because it depends on the sighting of the new moon.

In India, the month of Muharram is expected to begin on July 18 as per the sighting of the moon. However, the exact date won't be revealed until the country witnesses the moon of  Muharram. Along with India, some countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Morocco, and Malaysia will observe Muharram on the same day.

Important Days and Dates in July 2023