Photo: iStock
Meszár Tárik
16/07/2023 06:00
The announcement states, “Thursday, corresponding to July 20, is an official holiday for employees in the public and private sectors, on the occasion of the anniversary of the honourable migration of the Prophet and the advent of the new Hijri year 1445.” The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The first day of the Islamic year falls on the first day of the month of Muharram. It is an important event in the Islamic world because it celebrates the day of the Prophet Muhammad’s exodus from Mecca to Medina. The year in which the Hijrah took place is also called the era of the solar calendar Hijri. Its date corresponds to July 16, 622 according to the Julian calendar.
Before the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad and his followers in Mecca faced various difficulties. The rulers and traditional religious leaders of Mecca opposed the new teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the spread of Islam. In addition, the Prophet and his followers faced persecutions that made it difficult for them to practise their religion. Medina, on the other hand, was a city that was more accepting of Islam, and the people who lived there listened to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The followers of Medina offered protection and support to Muhammad and the Islamic community. Here, the Prophet was able to further spread the Islamic religion and strengthen his community.
The author is researcher at Eurasia Center