Rabat – The new Islamic year will start tomorrow in Morocco and other Muslim countries.
The Islamic year, also called Hijri New Year or Hegira, began in the year in 610 AD when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emigrated from Mecca to Medina.
In a statement posted on its website, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs said that the “observation of the new moon of the month of Muharram 1437 AH, was not confirmed in the evening of Tuesday 29 Dhu Al Hijja of 1436 AH corresponding to 13 October 2015.” Therefore, “the first day of Muharram corresponds to Thursday October 15,” the same source added.
Unlike the Gregorian year, the Islamic year is based on the lunar calendar. As a result, each month begins with the new moon. Though the Hegira has twelve months, it falls short of the Gregorian calendar by 11 days.
It was named after the “Hegira” which marks the Prophet Mohammed’s journey or emigration from Mecca where he was persecuted to Medina. The Prophet’s emigration to Medina is referred to as Hegira.
Read More about The Spirit of the Hijra Year
