Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, is a public holiday in Palestine and other Islamic countries. It marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year. This holiday is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The celebration of Islamic New Year signifies a time of reflection on the past year and the setting of goals for the upcoming year.
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, so the date of Islamic New Year changes each year on the Gregorian calendar. Cultural commemoration of the Islamic New Year varies considerably among Islamic cultural groups. In Palestine, it is usually marked with prayers, fasting, and reflection. Despite the differences, the theme of marking a point of renewal remains constant.
The importance of Islamic New Year in Palestine cannot be understated. Although it is not as widely celebrated as other Islamic holidays such as Eid, it nevertheless holds a special place in the hearts of many Palestinians. The holiday is a time for the community to come together in peaceful celebration, setting a positive and mindful tone to commence the new year. Above all, it’s a time of positivity and renewal, a sentiment that resonates with people worldwide.