While the holiest month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, also extremely sacred is Muharram, the first month of the Muslim lunar/Hijri calendar. This month is an important time for enriching one’s spiritual life, reflecting on one’s self and faith, and it emphasizes peace, nonviolence, and connection with one’s loved ones. Because the Hijri calendar is based on the position of the moon, the start of the new year is determined by the first sighting of the crescent moon after the new moon of the previous month.
This year, the new year begins at sundown on Tuesday, July 18, and the first day of celebration ends at sundown Wednesday, July 19. The month of Muharram itself will last until August 17.
As the crescent moon hangs in the sky, observers enjoy prayer services, meals with family and friends, and even exchanges of special gifts. Some observers also honor the first week of Muharram, leading up to the holiday Ashura (falling this year on July 27-28), as a time of mourning for the death of the prophet Muhammad’s grandson. While the new year is not a time generally associated with high-energy festivities, it is no less important to those who celebrate.
As Islamic New Year is not a federal holiday in the United States, you can expect businesses, government buildings, and transportation to be operating on normal hours.
If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact us at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy, and happy New Year!
