Islam | World | The Guardian

Islam | World | The Guardian

Islam has become a major, even obsessive, topic of public debate over the past two decades. From efforts by Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood to gain power through the ballot box to the violent radicalism of The Islamic State (or ISIS), the dominant image of Islam in world politics has been that of a religious ideology pushed by nonstate actors who wish to see a more “Islamic” form of politics. But what about states themselves?

Conflicts between Middle Eastern governments often appear to be about hard power, and in many cases they are. Saudi Arabia is leading a War in Yaen against the Houthis, which it views as a stand-in for Iranian expansion. But there is another side to most Muslim governments: they, too, use—and abuse—Islam for political ends.

Muslims across the world will welcome the Islamic New Year next week, which will mark the beginning of Muharram – the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Like other Islamic celebrations, the dates differ from year to year in relation to the Gregorian calendar, as they are based on the lunar cycle.

But what is Muharram and when exactly is it?

What is Islamic New Year?

The Islamic New Year begins with the sighting of the new moon at sunset. Its arrival signals the beginning of the month of Muharram – one of the four holy months of the Islamic calendar.

Muharram is the second most holy month of the Islamic year, after Ramadan, its name meaning “forbidden”, many followers of the faith choosing to fast on its ninth and tenth days.

first day of the year its name

When is it?

Hijri New Year will fall on 11 September for most Muslims this year.

In some Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia - astronomical calculations are used to determine the dates of the Islamic calendar instead - and, for this reason, there are sometimes differences of up to two days as to precisely when the date falls depending on where you are.

What year is it?

Islamic years are usually followed by the letter “H”, for Hijrah, or “AH”, for the Latin term Anno Hegirae, meaning “in the year of the Hijrah”.

At the moment, the Islamic year is 1439 AH. From next week, it will be 1440 AH.

How is the New Year celebrated?

For many Muslims, the New Year represents a period for self-reflection and historical awareness. Prayers and fasting build up towards the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura, when the massacre at Karbala is remembered.

Mourning congregations gather to express grief, with Shia Muslim sects commonly practising chest beating, known as the Latyma, and sometimes self-flagellation and the cutting of their foreheads.

Sunni Muslims regard Ashura as a day of respect and gratitude for the Prophet Moses but do not participate in the ritual. .......