Welcoming the New Hijri Year: A Spiritual Reset for Muslims

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the Book of Allah, from the day He created the heavens and the earth. Among these are four sacred..." (Quran 9:36)

As the crescent of Muharram appears, signaling the beginning of 1446 AH, Muslims worldwide stand at the threshold of a new Islamic year. Unlike the Gregorian New Year's celebrations focused on parties and resolutions destined to fade, the Hijri New Year offers something far more profound—a divinely-ordained opportunity for spiritual renewal, historical reflection, and sincere repentance.

This is not merely a calendar change, but a sacred milestone—a chance to realign our lives with the legacy of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the righteous predecessors.

Why the Hijri Year Matters More Than Ever

1. A Calendar Rooted in Faith

The Hijri calendar was established by Caliph Umar (RA) to mark the Prophet's (ﷺ) migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Medina—an event that transformed Islamic history.

📌 Key Difference from Gregorian Calendar:

Lunar-based, reminding us of Allah's signs in the moon's phases (Quran 36:39)

Starts with Muharram, one of Islam's four sacred months

Centers Islamic identity rather than colonial timelines

2. Muharram: The Month of Allah

The Prophet (ﷺ) called it "the month of Allah" (Sahih Muslim), giving it special status. Its sacredness means:

✔ Good deeds are more rewarding

✔ Sins are more serious

✔ Divine mercy is abundant

3 Ways to Maximize the New Islamic Year

1. Set Faith-Based Resolutions (With a Difference)

Islamic Resolutions:

"Fast Mondays/Thursdays to follow the Sunnah"

"Automate my Zakat payments to purify wealth"

"Memorize Juz 'Amma with my children"

📌 Pro Tip: Use the S.M.A.R.T. method:

Specific (e.g., "Read 1 page of Quran daily")

Measurable (track progress)

Actionable (clear steps)

Relevant (to your faith)

Time-bound (e.g., "Complete Quran in 12 months")

2. Learn From the First Hijrah

The Prophet's (ﷺ) migration teaches us:

✔ Sacrifice (leaving home for Allah)

✔ Strategic Planning (preparing provisions for the journey)

✔ Trust in Allah (despite Quraysh's pursuit)

Modern Application:

What "haram" or toxic environment do you need to migrate from?

How can you "build your Medina" (a space to practice Islam freely)?

3. Prepare for Ashura (10th Muharram)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the past year." (Muslim)

Action Plan:

Fast the 9th & 10th Muharram (to differ from Jewish practice)

Increase charity (give water in honor of Karbala)

Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 1,000 times (pious predecessors' practice)

A Du'a for the New Year

"Allahumma adkhil 'alayna bil amni wal iman, was salamati wal Islam, wa ridwanin minar Rahman, wa jiwarim minash Shaytan."

"O Allah, bring us this year with security, faith, safety, Islam, Your pleasure, and protection from Shaytan."

Your 3-Step Action Plan

1️⃣ Tonight:

Perform 2 rak'ahs of gratitude

Write down 3 Islamic goals

2️⃣ First Week of Muharram:

Start a "Sadaqah jar" for next Dhul Hijjah

Visit relatives (revive family ties)

3️⃣ 10th Muharram:

Fast Ashura + give charity

Final Thought:

The Sahaba didn't count years by birthdays—they counted by acts of worship. Let 1446 AH be the year your faith reaches new heights.