The Hijri New Year, often known as Islamic New Year, is a significant public holiday in Lebanon marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The first day of the Islamic calendar year is known as the 1st Muharram. The Islamic calendar, being a lunar calendar, starts on the day the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina. This migration, or Hijra, took place in 622 AD and marks the beginning of the Islamic Era or the Hijri year.
In Lebanon, the Hijri New Year is observed with deep respect and reflection. People attend prayers, engage in discussions with scholars, and participate in rituals that engage with the traditions of Islam. It is a period of introspection, a time to contemplate the passing year and plan for the year ahead. Due to its spiritual significance, many individuals choose to fast, although fasting is not mandatory on this day.
Compared to other Islamic holidays, the Hijri New Year is generally a quiet and solemn occasion. In Lebanon, there are usually no elaborate decorations or festivities. Public offices, businesses, and schools are closed, permitting the population to engage in personal worship and commemoration. The celebration of the holiday, however, may differ across various sects of Islam, cultural backgrounds, and traditions existing in the country. Regardless, the emphasis is on spiritual growth, patience, and submission to the will of Allah.