Happy Islamic New Hirji Year

Happy New Year to all our Muslim readers today. While not everyone agrees on the date, the Hijri New Year falls around now, and on November 3 and 4 this year for most Muslims. It is also known as Islamic New Year (Arabic: رأس السنة الهجرية‎ Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) and today is the day that marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar.

According to tradition Hijri is observed on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The very first Islamic year began on 610 AD when Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina. This was known as the Hijri.

According to OneIslam there are no special customs to mark the new year. And while the Arabic word Hijri can be translated as “exile, exodus, flight or migration” its meaning, OneIslam interprets it to be much more dynamic. Hijri can also mean to leave, to move, to shun and to quit. …”in the Qur’an it is also used to mean leaving a wrong condition and moving to a better condition, even though it may involve some difficulty.”

Sounds like an auspicious time for Muslims to think about our planet, and to take action. Agreed?

Turn to these eco-Muslims for “green” inspiration on Hirji:

Professor A.L.I.’s Islamic Eco-Rap Sends Environment Lessons To Muslims
This Is What A Muslim Vegetarian Looks Like
“Green Deen” Ibrahim Abdul-Matin Connects Environmentalism With Islam
From Rockstars to Recycling: Kristiane Backer – An Eco-Muslimah
How Does the World’s 1.5 Billion Muslims Relate to Climate Change?
The Green Sheikh Knows How To Treat A Lady
30 Mosques in 30 States: USA’s Organic Muslims