On Thursday 15th October 2015 Muslims all over the world will welcome the Islamic New Year 1437. The New Year begins with the first day of the month of Muharram, the first in the Islamic Calendar, and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur’an.
As the New Year marks the significant journey made by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Makkah to Madina, it is a great time to reflect upon the values Prophet Muhammad stood for, and his remarkable leadership in upholding truth, justice and equality for all. He was a selfless character who was always conscious of the needs of others. These are just some of the values we can seek to uphold in our everyday lives.
The New Year begins with the first day of the month of Muharram. The 10th day, known as Ashura, is a day on which according to our traditions, Prophet Musa (Moses) was saved by the miracle of the parting of the sea, from the Pharaoh. Many Muslims observe fast on the Day of Ashura and the day preceding it, in remembrance and gratefulness to God. Ashura is also commemorated for the tragic massacre at Karbala, in Iraq in 61 A.H. of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, his family and supporters.
Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the MCB said: “Muslim communities across Britain can take much inspiration from these significant events to truly commit themselves to greater unity within faith and across faiths and to uphold values of justice, truth and compassion. With so much bloodshed in the world, particularly in the Muslim world, we pray for a restoration of peace and compassion.”