The Muslim New Year
The Muslim New Year falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic Calendar. Since the Islamic lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, Muharram migrates throughout the seasons. In 2007, it is on January 20th.
Although there is no religious significance attached to this day, many Muslims use the day to remember the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The day is observed quietly, without the joyous festivities seen in other cultures’ New Years celebrations. Recently, some people have begun exchanging cards and gifts on this day.
Not all Muslims celebrate the New Year. Shia Muslims view Muharram as a month of mourning in honor of Imam Hussain, who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala on Muharram 10th. Sunni Muslims believe that this is the day that the first Caliph Abu Bakr died.
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