Al-Hijra

Al-Hijra is the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, and the first day of the Islamic New Year. Al-Hijra marks the day in AD622 when Muhammad and the first Muslim community migrated from Mecca to Medina.

Who celebrates?

Muslims around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Most Muslims regard the day as a time for reflection on the Hijra and on the year to come
• Recently some Muslims exchange greeting cards to celebrate the holiday and some make new year’s resolutions.

What should I know?

• The holiday is also known simply as Muharram
• There are no prescribed religious observances
• Al-hijra is a public holiday in many Islamic countries
• Celebrations and traditions may differ between Shia and Sunni Muslims
• The Prophet Muhammad is the founder of Islam as well as a political and social leader
• 4.4% of the UK identified as Muslim in the 2011 census.

How can I support others?

• Be aware of cultural differences between different Muslim faiths and that not all Muslims follow the same religious path and traditions
• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume if someone’s family is Muslim that they will be celebrating
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC: Al-Hijra: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/alhijra.shtml

The Week: celebrating Islamic New Year: https://www.theweek.co.uk/77041/muharram-how-do-muslims-celebrate-islamic-new-year

OnePath Network: Story oh Hirjah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9GJWdPPE2s