Rabat – Moroccans will celebrate the Islamic New Year 1440 on Tuesday, September 11, according to the International Center for Astronomy (CIA).
The new moon will probably be sighted in Morocco tonight, September 10.
Like in many countries in the Arab world, in Morocco the Islamic New Year is a public holiday.
The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the first day of the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Muharram is considered one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, along with Rajab (7th month), Qa’da (11th month), and Dhu al-Hijjah (12th month). It is a month for remembrance of old times, mourning, and reflection on important events of the past.
The name Hijri refers to the Hijra, or the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina.
Each country announces its date based on moon sightings, but several countries depend on astronomical charts to work out the Hijri calendar in advance.
