Islamic New Year: When is Muharram 2024 in India? Saudi Arabia announces first day

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle or phases of the moon, which is why the dates of Muharram vary every year in the Gregorian calendar and South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia etc. usually see the crescent moon a day later than Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, other Gulf countries, USA, UK and Canada. For the uninitiated, Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is why the first day of this holy month is known as the Islamic New Year, Al Hijri or Arabic New Year, but apart from the New Year celebrations, the month of Muharram holds great historical significance for both Shia and Sunni Muslims around the world.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar which has 365 days, the Islamic calendar has approximately 354 days divided into 12 months, where Muharram is followed by the months of Safar, Rabi-al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada ath-Thaniyah, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Zil-Qadah and Zil-Hijjah. After Ramadan or Ramzan, Muharram is considered the holiest month in Islam and it marks the beginning of the lunar calendar that Islam follows.

Saudi Arabia announces first day of Muharram

The crescent moon of Muharram was not observed in Saudi Arabia on Friday night, which is July 5, 2024, or the 29th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Therefore, Saudi authorities have announced that the 1st of Muharram 1446 will begin after Maghrib or evening prayers on Saturday, July 6, 2024. According to the Gregorian calendar, July 7, 2024 will be the first day of Muharram in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year 1446.

When is Muharram in India?

Saudi Arabia will mark the first day of the Islamic New Year on July 7, 2024. India will thus prepare to observe the crescent moon of the holy month of Muharram tonight. If the crescent moon is observed after Maghrib on July 6, 2024, the first day of Muharram will fall on July 7. Otherwise, July 7 will be the last day of Dhul Hijjah 1445 and the Islamic New Year 1446 will be celebrated by the Muslims of our country on July 8, 2024.

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, a time of renewal and spiritual contemplation. The word Muharram means “forbidden” or “not permitted.” Muslims are therefore forbidden from taking part in activities such as war and use this time to pray and reflect.

But Muharram is also a month of mourning and reflection for Muslims. It recalls the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions, and highlights the principles of justice, courage and resistance against oppression.