Celebrating Islamic New Year 2023 around the world

What is the Islamic New Year?

The origins of the Islamic New Year go back to the establishment of the Hijrī Calendar (the lunar calendar). It begins from the year in which the ‘hijrah’ (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Makkah to Medina took place, around the year 622 CE.

Year 1 Hijrī marked the establishment of the first Islamic state in Medina, and so holds a special significance for Muslims. ‘Muharram’ is the sacred month that kicks off each new year, and is a time of mourning and reflection.

When is Islamic New Year?

As we’ve explored, the Islamic New Year takes place during the first day of the first month of the Muslim lunar calendar. This year that will be on 19 July 2023.

Though most Islamic countries use the solar Gregorian calendar, they’re guided by the lunar calendar to calculate the dates of religious feasts, festivals and observances. As the Hijrī is organised in line with the moon, it moves forward approximately 11-12 days each year, unlike the Gregorian calendar.

How is Islamic New Year celebrated?

Unlike the New Year celebrations of 31st December, Muharram isn’t really a time for wild parties, fireworks and exuberant revelry. It’s more a time for contemplation and observance. The Hijrī New year is an annual reminder of the passing of time, history of Islam, and resilience of the Muslim people.

Islam’s two major religious sects observe this first month of the year differently. Shiite Muslims observe 10 days of mourning, culminating in ‘Ashura’ on the tenth day to mourn the death of Al-Hussein, Muhammad’s grandson. He died in 680 C.E., during a battle that prompted the schism between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Some participate in mourning marches on Ashura; others also engage in self-flagellation using their hands, chains, or even blades as a way to remember al-Hussein’s suffering.

Some Sunni Muslims observe Ashura with fasting and prayer in honour of a fast undertaken by Muhammad in Medina, after he emigrated there. Though not all Sunni scholars agree with this practice.

In some Islamic countries there are public holidays, and food almost always plays a big role. There are huge feasts of couscous in Senegal, special saffron rice shared with mourners in Garmsar, Iran, and ‘doodh ka sharbat’, a milky drink consumed in Hyderabad, India.  

Ramadan

Another hugely important festival for Muslims globally is Ramadan. Celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it’s considered one of the holiest months for Muslims: one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is marked by a period of fasting. And as it’s a time that’s so important to WorldRemit customers, we’ve put together an interesting article about the traditions surrounding Ramadan. It’s well worth the read.

What gifts are given for Islamic New Year?

Exchanging thoughtful gifts is an integral part of the Islamic New Year. In fact, gift-giving is a sacred tradition in Islamic communities and Arabic countries. There are many stories about how Mohammed gave gifts - especially the gift of food. That’s why the practice is so special to Muslims. Here are some great gift ideas for the Islamic New Year:

The Holy Quran: a sacred source

This sacred Islamic book holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims all over the  world. It’s a source of guidance and inspiration, and is a valuable tool for learning about Islam.

Dates: a traditional delicacy

Dates are a traditional food in Islam, and they make a delicious and nutritious snack.

Scents: lifting the spirit

Having a well-scented home is an Islamic practice. So consider giving an oil diffuser - a smoke-free, healthy way to fragrance a home with a choice of lovely scents.

Flowers :nature’s jewels

What better gift than an exquisite bouquet, which appropriately represents love, care and hope at New Year?

Fruit baskets: healthy treats

These make wonderful gifts and are a thoughtful, delicious way to celebrate Islamic New Year.

Tea: for two, three or four…

Tea drinking is an important part of Arabic culture, and it’s most often consumed at social gatherings and family events. So why not send a flavoured tea as a gift to friends and family this new year?

Send the gift of money with WorldRemit

If you can’t be with your family and friends at Islamic New Year, why not send them the gift of money? That way, they can buy exactly what they want and need. Wherever you’re sending money to - from Senegal to Cameroon - you’ll enjoy a fast, secure and low cost online money transfer service with WorldRemit.

And that’s not all. For more insights on festivals, as well as living and working abroad, head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of helpful and informative articles put together especially for people like you.

The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.