Sadly, you are likely to hear of clashes on the streets between Sunnis and Shias, often violent with many lives lost. Whereas the Sunnis observe this period of mourning in a low-key manner by refraining from participating in festivities and fasting on the tenth day, Shia Muslims immerse themselves in lamentation, holding gatherings and relating the tragedy of the battle carry out processions where sometimes men will self-flagellate and after the tenth day, begin the forty-day mourning period. ![]() It is during this time that the sectarian differences between Muslims of the Shia and Sunni sects, become visibly apparent. On October 1st, we began a 10-day period of remembrance, for it was on the tenth day that Hussein fell in battle. Hussain was martyred along with most of his family and companions, including his six-month-old infant son. So why the tears? Because in the sixty-first year of the Hijra year, a terrible tragedy took place.Īt the battle of Karbala in Iraq, Hussain, the Prophet’s grandson, was killed and beheaded by the forces of the caliph of Baghdad. If anything, it would be a time to celebrate the new beginning and the Prophet’s remarkable success in establishing a Muslim community in the city of Medina. But that is not the reason for the tears. He and his companions left all they had behind, and escaping persecution, ventured into new territory and started all over. Background: The Islamic calendar-the Hijra calendar, begins in the month of Muharram, when 1,438 years ago the Prophet Muhammad made his exodus from his homeland city of Mecca, to Medina. Muslims around the world will ring in the new year, not with bells and whistles, but on a solemn note, and tears. Protocol: I advise that you not greet your Muslim friends with a cheery ‘Happy New Year’. Before I go there, a word of caution on protocol and a bit of background. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad recommended fasting on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram.As Muslims begin their new year on October 3, I will reflect on what my father said to me when I was just fifteen. This day is a major festival for Shia Muslims and commemorates the martyrdom at Karbala of Hussein. It is known as Ashura.Īshura is celebrated on the tenth day of Muharram. ![]() There is another annual celebration in the month of Muharram commemorating the death of Hussain ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad, and his supporters. Muharram, meaning “respect”, is known as one of the four most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar year has 364 days and 12 months. In the United Kingdom, Muslims pray and fast during daylight hours to prepare for Ashura on the tenth day of the month. In Canada, fasting during Muharram isn’t obligatory, but some Canadian Muslims fast as sign of worship and read books about Islam to grow their knowledge of their religion. The New Year is also celebrated outside the Islamic world. One very important tradition is to tell the Hijra the story is broadcast on the radio for all to hear. Mosques record the appearance of the new moon and special prayers are said. ![]() It is more of a cultural event than a celebration, and people welcome the New Year with peace and prayers. Islamic New Year celebrations are much quieter and less festive than other New Year celebrations. The countries who consider the Islamic New Year a public holiday are: India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.Īlthough, even in countries where it is not a public holiday, some companies and organizations change their operating hours and Muslims get together at mosques, especially in the evening. Muslims all around the world are getting ready to celebrate the 2016 Islamic New Year. The Islamic New Year dates back to 622 AD with the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, therefore, Muharram varies each year. Maal Hijra is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic New Year, or Maal Hijra, is a holiday celebrated on October 2, 2016.
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