The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, is a significant public holiday in Yemen. This holiday marks the beginning of a new Hijri year in the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar used by Muslims worldwide to determine the dates of religious events and observances. It commences on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed quietly in Yemen with prayer and reflection.
In Yemen, Islamic New Year is celebrated with simplicity and sobriety, as the date has significant religious and historical connotations. This day not only marks the start of the Islamic calendar but also commemorates the journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. As a discretion of this tradition, Yemenis observe the day with communal prayers, family gatherings, and lessons of the Hijra's historical importance and spiritual lessons.
For Yemeni Muslims, the Islamic New Year is a time for self-reflection, forgiveness, and setting goals for the coming year. Unlike other New Year's celebrations that can typically involve feasting and merrymaking, the Islamic New Year is a rather introspective holiday. Despite the conflict-ridden state of the country, Yemenis use this time to pray for peace and better times ahead, retaining their faith and resilience in the face of adversity.