Latest news with #Ashoura
Nahar Net
an hour ago
- General
- Nahar Net
What to know about the Islamic New Year and how Muslims observe it
by Naharnet Newsdesk 23 June 2025, 13:02 Muslims will soon welcome a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. The Hijri New Year, beginning on the first day of the month of Muharram, signals a chance for spiritual reflection and religious resolutions, set in the month following the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Here's what to know about the holiday and how Muslims observe it: The Hijri New Year will begin around Thursday This Hijri New Year is expected to fall on or around June 26, ushering in the year 1447 A.H. (which stands for "anno hegirae" or "the year of the Hijrah" in Latin). The exact date can vary depending on when regional Islamic authorities see the crescent moon. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, the dates of Islamic months and holidays — such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr — change annually. The new year corresponds with the first sighting of the crescent moon during Muharram, the first of 12 months in the Hijri calendar. The calendar began in year 622 The Hijri calendar begins counting from 622 C.E., the year the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, fleeing persecution. This journey, known as the Hijrah or migration in Arabic, led to the religious, social and political consolidation of the then-nascent Muslim community. The day is more solemn than festive Muharram is one of four sacred months during which Islam forbids warfare, a condition that encourages increased prayer, charity and reflection throughout the month. More than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Syria, have designated the Hijri New Year a national holiday. While the passage of the Islamic New Year is generally more solemn and introspective than festive, Muslims may observe the holiday differently, according to their school of thought. For Shiite Muslims especially, the first 10 days of Muharram mark a significant period of mourning: On the 10th of Muharram in 680 C.E., the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein was killed in battle. Ten days into the new year on Ashoura, waves of Shiite mourners walk the streets dressed in black, beating their chests or self-flagellating in public grief. Sunni Muslims commemorate Ashoura through voluntary fasting, as the day for them marks Moses' parting of the Red Sea. The wars in Iran and Gaza will impact observations of the new year Mass demonstrations of mourning on Ashoura are known to unfold in Tehran and other cities in the Shiite-majority Iran. But more than a week into a campaign of strikes by Israel, the streets of Tehran have been largely deserted, businesses are closed, and with no bomb shelters open, many shelter on the floor of metro stations. Thousands have fled the city. Israel launched a major attack on Iran on June 13, striking the heart of Iran's nuclear and military structure in Tehran and triggering a war between the two longtime foes. Ashoura demonstrations in Pakistan, Lebanon and Iraq have also been a site of tributes to Palestinians. This Hijri New Year is the second to pass since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Israel's military offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 55,000 Palestinians in the predominantly Muslim area, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said most of the dead are women and children.
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- General
- Arab Times
What to know about the Islamic New Year and how Muslims observe it
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 23, (AP): Muslims will soon welcome a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. The Hijri New Year, beginning on the first day of the month of Muharram, signals a chance for spiritual reflection and religious resolutions, set in the month following the annual Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Here's what to know about the holiday and how Muslims observe it: This Hijri New Year is expected to fall on or around June 26, ushering in the year 1447 A.H. (which stands for "anno hegirae' or "the year of the Hijrah' in Latin). The exact date can vary depending on when regional Islamic authorities see the crescent moon. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, the dates of Islamic months and holidays - such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr - change annually. The new year corresponds with the first sighting of the crescent moon during Muharram, the first of 12 months in the Hijri calendar. The calendar began in year 622 The Hijri calendar begins counting from 622 C.E., the year the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, fleeing persecution. This journey, known as the Hijrah or migration in Arabic, led to the religious, social, and political consolidation of the then-nascent Muslim community. The day is more solemn than festive Muharram is one of four sacred months during which Islam forbids warfare, a condition that encourages increased prayer, charity, and reflection throughout the month. More than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Syria, have designated the Hijri New Year a national holiday. While the passage of the Islamic New Year is generally more solemn and introspective than festive, Muslims may observe the holiday differently, according to their school of thought. For Shiite Muslims especially, the first 10 days of Muharram mark a significant period of mourning: On the 10th of Muharram in 680 C.E., the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein was killed in battle. Ten days into the new year on Ashoura, waves of Shiite mourners walk the streets dressed in black, beating their chests or self-flagellating in public grief. Sunni Muslims commemorate Ashoura through voluntary fasting, as the day for them marks Moses' parting of the Red Sea. The wars in Iran and Gaza will impact observations of the new year Mass demonstrations of mourning on Ashoura are known to unfold in Tehran and other cities in the Shiite-majority Iran. But more than a week into a campaign of strikes by Israel, the streets of Tehran have been largely deserted, businesses are closed, and with no bomb shelters open, many shelter on the floor of metro stations. Thousands have fled the city. Israel launched a major attack on Iran on June 13, striking the heart of Iran's nuclear and military structure in Tehran and triggering a war between the two longtime foes. Ashoura demonstrations in Pakistan, Lebanon, and Iraq have also been a site of tributes to Palestinians. This Hijri New Year is the second to pass since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Israel's military offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 55,000 Palestinians in the predominantly Muslim area, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said most of the dead are women and children.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Islamic Hijri calendar 2025: New year, Muharran, Ashura date. Here's all
Muslims around the world are expected to greet the first day of Muharram—and with it the year 1447 AH—on or about Thursday, 26 June, when regional moon-sighting committees confirm the appearance of the crescent. The lunar date, which follows the annual Hajj season, opens one of Islam's four sacred months and sets the tone for a period of prayer, fasting and reflection that differs sharply from the more festive beginnings of the Gregorian year. Islamic Hijri new year 2025 date Because the calendar is strictly lunar, each Islamic month starts when the new moon is seen. Astronomers and clerics expect the first sighting of the crescent on the evening of 25 June, making 26 June the probable first day of Muharram in many countries. Exact dates can still differ by a day from region to region. Islamic Hijri calendar history Muslims count time from 622 CE, the year the Prophet Muhammad left Mecca for Medina to escape persecution. The migration—known in Arabic as the Hijrah—marked the social and political consolidation of the early Muslim community and gives the calendar its name. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prime Swing Trader Mr. Hemant Shares His Winning Strategy for Free! TradeWise Learn More Undo The day is more solemn than festive Muharram bans warfare under Islamic teaching, so many believers spend additional time in prayer, charity and self-examination rather than celebration. More than 20 nations, among them the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Syria, treat the first day of the month as a public holiday. Shiite Muslims observe the first ten days as a period of mourning for Hussein, the Prophet's grandson, who was killed on the tenth day—Ashoura—in 680 CE. Some mourners dress in black, beat their chests or flagellate themselves in public processions. Sunni Muslims mark Ashoura by voluntary fasting, recalling what they say was Moses' parting of the Red Sea. Live Events Cultural and Spiritual Practices Unlike Eid, the Islamic New Year is a quiet and reflective occasion, marked by: Reciting the Quran Offering prayers Practising introspection Performing charitable acts Ashura 2025 Date The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) in 1447 AH will fall on 5 July 2025. Sunni and Shia Differences on Ashura Sunni Muslims fast on Ashura to commemorate: Noah's Ark Moses' crossing of the Red Sea Shia Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala through: Majlis (gatherings) Matam (chest-beating) Public processions, especially in India, Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran Islamic Calendar Facts The Islamic calendar has: 12 lunar months 354 or 355 days, making it about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic dates to shift earlier every year. The wars in Iran and Gaza will impact observations of the new year Large Ashoura processions usually unfold in Tehran and other Iranian cities. This year, Israel's 13 June strikes on Tehran's nuclear and military sites—and the ensuing conflict—have emptied streets, closed businesses and pushed residents to shelter in metro stations or leave the capital. Elsewhere, marches in Pakistan, Lebanon and Iraq have also become occasions to mourn Palestinians. The upcoming new year is the second to arrive since Israel launched its Gaza offensive in October 2023, a campaign that Gaza's Health Ministry says has killed more than 55,000 people, mostly women and children.
San Francisco Chronicle
9 hours ago
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
What to know about the Islamic New Year and how Muslims observe it
Muslims will soon welcome a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. The Hijri New Year, beginning on the first day of the month of Muharram, signals a chance for spiritual reflection and religious resolutions, set in the month following the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Here's what to know about the holiday and how Muslims observe it: The Hijri New Year will begin around Thursday This Hijri New Year is expected to fall on or around June 26, ushering in the year 1447 A.H. (which stands for 'anno hegirae' or 'the year of the Hijrah' in Latin). The exact date can vary depending on when regional Islamic authorities see the crescent moon. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, the dates of Islamic months and holidays — such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr — change annually. The new year corresponds with the first sighting of the crescent moon during Muharram, the first of 12 months in the Hijri calendar. The calendar began in year 622 The Hijri calendar begins counting from 622 C.E., the year the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, fleeing persecution. This journey, known as the Hijrah or migration in Arabic, led to the religious, social and political consolidation of the then-nascent Muslim community. The day is more solemn than festive Muharram is one of four sacred months during which Islam forbids warfare, a condition that encourages increased prayer, charity and reflection throughout the month. More than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Syria, have designated the Hijri New Year a national holiday. While the passage of the Islamic New Year is generally more solemn and introspective than festive, Muslims may observe the holiday differently, according to their school of thought. For Shiite Muslims especially, the first 10 days of Muharram mark a significant period of mourning: On the 10th of Muharram in 680 C.E., the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein was killed in battle. Ten days into the new year on Ashoura, waves of Shiite mourners walk the streets dressed in black, beating their chests or self-flagellating in public grief. Sunni Muslims commemorate Ashoura through voluntary fasting, as the day for them marks Moses' parting of the Red Sea. The wars in Iran and Gaza will impact observations of the new year Mass demonstrations of mourning on Ashoura are known to unfold in Tehran and other cities in the Shiite-majority Iran. But more than a week into a campaign of strikes by Israel, the streets of Tehran have been largely deserted, businesses are closed, and with no bomb shelters open, many shelter on the floor of metro stations. Thousands have fled the city. Israel launched a major attack on Iran on June 13, striking the heart of Iran's nuclear and military structure in Tehran and triggering a war between the two longtime foes. Ashoura demonstrations in Pakistan, Lebanon and Iraq have also been a site of tributes to Palestinians. This Hijri New Year is the second to pass since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Israel's military offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 55,000 Palestinians in the predominantly Muslim area, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said most of the dead are women and children.
The Hill
10 hours ago
- General
- The Hill
What to know about the Islamic New Year and how Muslims observe it
Muslims will soon welcome a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. The Hijri New Year, beginning on the first day of the month of Muharram, signals a chance for spiritual reflection and religious resolutions, set in the month following the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Here's what to know about the holiday and how Muslims observe it: This Hijri New Year is expected to fall on or around June 26, ushering in the year 1447 A.H. (which stands for 'anno hegirae' or 'the year of the Hijrah' in Latin). The exact date can vary depending on when regional Islamic authorities see the crescent moon. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, the dates of Islamic months and holidays — such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr — change annually. The new year corresponds with the first sighting of the crescent moon during Muharram, the first of 12 months in the Hijri calendar. The Hijri calendar begins counting from 622 C.E., the year the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, fleeing persecution. This journey, known as the Hijrah or migration in Arabic, led to the religious, social and political consolidation of the then-nascent Muslim community. Muharram is one of four sacred months during which Islam forbids warfare, a condition that encourages increased prayer, charity and reflection throughout the month. More than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Syria, have designated the Hijri New Year a national holiday. While the passage of the Islamic New Year is generally more solemn and introspective than festive, Muslims may observe the holiday differently, according to their school of thought. For Shiite Muslims especially, the first 10 days of Muharram mark a significant period of mourning: On the 10th of Muharram in 680 C.E., the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein was killed in battle. Ten days into the new year on Ashoura, waves of Shiite mourners walk the streets dressed in black, beating their chests or self-flagellating in public grief. Sunni Muslims commemorate Ashoura through voluntary fasting, as the day for them marks Moses' parting of the Red Sea. Mass demonstrations of mourning on Ashoura are known to unfold in Tehran and other cities in the Shiite-majority Iran. But more than a week into a campaign of strikes by Israel, the streets of Tehran have been largely deserted, businesses are closed, and with no bomb shelters open, many shelter on the floor of metro stations. Thousands have fled the city. Israel launched a major attack on Iran on June 13, striking the heart of Iran's nuclear and military structure in Tehran and triggering a war between the two longtime foes. Ashoura demonstrations in Pakistan, Lebanon and Iraq have also been a site of tributes to Palestinians. This Hijri New Year is the second to pass since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Israel's military offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 55,000 Palestinians in the predominantly Muslim area, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said most of the dead are women and children. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
