Muslims around world mark Islamic New Year

ANKARA

Muslims around the world, including Turkey, marked the first day of the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, early this week.

The day represents the journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, also known as al-Hijra (migration).

In 622 AD, during the month of Muharram, the first month of the Muslim lunar calendar, the Prophet and his companions moved from Mecca to Medina with God's permission in order to avoid persecution by powerful tribes that were idolaters and enemies of Islam.

The date is chosen to coincide with the expected first sighting of the lunar crescent after the new moon in Muharram.

Astronomical calculations are used to determine when this sighting will occur, as there may be differences of up to two days depending on where the country is located.

Although the first day of the month is of immense importance, no large-scale celebrations are held in Muslim-majority countries to commemorate it. Many countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, mark the occasion with a national holiday.

Muslims consider Muharram as one of the holiest months after Ramadan, in which Muslims fast, offer additional Tarawih prayers, and engage in self-reflection.

On the 10th day of the month, there is an important day called Ashura, which commemorates many significant events, such as God forgiving Prophet Adam, saving Prophet Noah and allowing him to land peacefully, and giving Prophet Moses a miracle of splitting the Red Sea, which led to the rescue of him and his followers from Pharaoh.

On the same day, Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Al-Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, at the Battle of Karbala in 680, or 61 in the Islamic calendar, with some rituals. In Iran, Taziya (Ta'zieh) or condolence gatherings are held. During Muharram, these take the form of re-enactments of the battle of Karbala.

Similar rituals in South Asia are known as Marsiya, Noha, and Soaz, Tabuik, or Tabut. They are known as Hosay or Hussay in the West Indian states of Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago, and are attended by people of all religions and cultures.

Shia Muslims, particularly those in Afghanistan, Bahrain, India, Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan, take part in remembrance parades or matam (mourning). During mourning, they gather in large groups on the streets to participate in ritual chest-beating.

The Islamic Calendar or Hijri calendar consists of 12 months and 354 or 355 days, and it is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. It is based on the moon's movement, and a result, the beginning of each month is determined by the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon.