The Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) is an important holiday celebrated in Algeria and other Muslim-majority countries worldwide. It marks the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The celebration is rooted in Islam's rich history and involves various devotional activities, community gatherings, and quiet reflection.
In Algeria, the Awal Muharram is a public holiday, meaning that schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed. It's a time for Muslims to remember the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Hijra – his journey from Mecca to Medina. Some Algerian Muslims choose to fast on this day or participate in other activities that mark the advent of the Islamic year.
Despite being a time for celebration and devotion, Awal Muharram is also an occasion for Muslims in Algeria to reflect on the concept of sacrifice and redemption. Muharram is especially important to Shia Muslims who spend the first ten days of the month mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Whether they are Shia or Sunni, Algerians join together in marking this significant event with a sense of unity and community spirit, reflecting on their shared history, beliefs, and hopes for the year to come.