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ISLAMIC NEW YEAR

On Tuesday, January31,2006 at sunset, the year 1427 of the Islamic era will begin. Islam has a calendar based on the revolutions of the Moon. Thus, it is only 354 days long. Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first Islamic month. Compared to Western calendars, the Islamic year goes 11 days backwards every year.

The marking of the beginning of the New Year is usually quiet, unlike New Year's celebrations associated with other calendars. Muslims gather in mosques for special prayers and readings. A major part of the holiday is the telling of the hegira, Muhammad's flight from Medina to Mecca. Muslims also reflect on the passing of time and their own mortality.

The New Year itself is known to Muslims as Maal Hijra.

(Written by Nushmia Khan for COMID, January 2006)