Dubai: There is a likelihood that UAE residents will benefit from yet another long weekend in the end of August and beginning of September. This year the Islamic New Years falls on Saturday August 31. However, we might be given Sunday off, to celebrate the migration of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
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The official holiday will be announced closer to the Moon observation, however, according to Astronomer and member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, Ibrahim Al Jarwan tweeted on Tuesday, that the new crescent will be born on Friday August 30 at 2.37pm UAE time and will not be visible after sunset due. Accordingly, Sunday September 1 should be the first month of Muharram for the year 1,441 Hijri according to his astronomical calculations.
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If we do not manage to get a long weekend this month, then you definitely have another one to look forward to in December with Commemoration day and National Day giving us a 5-day long weekend.
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So what is Hijri New Year?
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The occasion marks 1,441 years since the migration of Prophet Mohammed and his companions from Makkah to Madinah, Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia.
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The first year in the Islamic calendar, Hijri 1, corresponds to the year 622AD.
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Hijri is derived from Arabic word Hijrah, which means migration. In the religious context, it specifically refers to the migration of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) more than 14 centuries ago.
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Read: What are the other UAE 2019 public holidays?
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When will it take place?
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Hijri New Year actually falls on August 31, Saturday. However, the UAE government might potentially push it by a day, so that workers can receive a long weekend.
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Why does the Islamic calendar start with Hijrah and what is the significance of this event?
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Hijrah was the definitive turning point in the history of Islam. It is not just a historical event, but is an opportunity for introspection.
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Thousands of years ago, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated, leaving everything behind — their homes, their property, and their loved ones.
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They chose to sacrifice worldly gains and comforts for the perseverance of their religion, which was at the time in danger in Makkah. The prophet himself was escaping his death from the Quraish elderlies.
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What is the Hijri calendar?
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The Hijri calendar is based on the lunar year, in which months are 29 or 30 days, depending on when the waxing crescent moon is sighted after the new moon.
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As a result, the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian solar year, arriving around 11 days “earlier” after each full cycle.
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What are the months on the Hijri calendar?
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1. Muharram
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2. Safar
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3. Rabi Al Awwal
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4. Rabi Al Thani
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5. Jumada Al Ula
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6. Jumada Al Akhira
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7. Rajab
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8. Sha’aban
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9. Ramadan
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10. Shawwal
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11. Dhu Al Qa’da
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12. Dhu Al Hijja
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