The dates of Muharram in the Gregorian calendar vary every year due to the Islamic calendar being based on the phases of the moon. South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh usually see the crescent a day later than Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf countries, as well as the USA, the UK and Canada. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the Islamic New Year, known as Al Hijri or the Arabic New Year. The month holds great significance for both Shia and Sunni Muslims globally.
The Islamic calendar consists of about 354 days that are divided into 12 months including Muharram, Safar, Rabi-al-Thani and others. After Ramadan, Muharram is considered the second holiest month in Islam and marks the beginning of the lunar calendar.
The Muharram moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia on Friday, July 05, 2024, which is the 29th day of Zul Hijjah. Saudi authorities have announced that Muharram 1446 will begin after evening prayers on Saturday, July 06, 2024. Thus, July 07, 2024 will be the first day of Muharram in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1446.
Muharram in India
Since Saudi Arabia will celebrate the Islamic New Year on July 07, 2024, India will look for the crescent on the evening of July 06, 2024. If the moon is sighted, Muharram will begin on July 07; otherwise, July 07, 1445 will be the last day of Zilhijja, and the Islamic New Year 1446 will begin in India on July 08, 2024 and end on July 17, 2024.
History and significance
The Islamic calendar, created by Caliph Umar around 638 CE, dates back to the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina. The calendar follows the lunar cycle, with each month beginning with a new moon.
Muharram is one of the four holy months mentioned in the Quran and is a time for increasing devotion and good deeds. It is a time for reflection, remembering the past and setting goals for the year ahead.
