A New Year.
A New Beginning.
The Islamic New Year, known as Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyyah, marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, spiritual renewal, and renewed commitment to doing good.
Unlike many New Year celebrations, the Islamic New Year is traditionally a quiet time of reflection rather than celebration. It gives us an opportunity to look back with gratitude, renew our intentions, and look forward with hope and faith.
At Endless Welfare Foundation, we believe that the beginning of a new Hijri year is also an opportunity to extend kindness to those who are struggling. A small act of generosity can bring dignity, hope, and relief to a family in need.
The Meaning of Hijrah
The Hijri calendar is connected to the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah. This historic journey reminds us of sacrifice, trust, perseverance and the courage to begin a new chapter.
Start the New Year
with Generosity
Your contribution can help Endless Welfare Foundation provide meaningful support to widows, orphans, families and vulnerable members of our community.
The Hijra — A Journey That Changed History
The Hijri calendar begins from the year of the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, chosen deliberately by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) as the starting point of Islamic history. The Hijra was a defining moment it symbolised a community's willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of their faith and for the establishment of justice on earth
Every Islamic New Year is a reminder of this sacrifice. It calls Muslims to ask themselves: what am I willing to sacrifice for Allah? What must I leave behind to move forward in faith?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) mentioned in the Quran, alongside Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. Allah (SWT) has given these months a special sanctity warfare was prohibited in them, and acts of worship and charity carry heightened reward.
“So do not wrong yourselves during them.” - (Quran 9:36)
The History of the Hijri Calendar
The Hijri calendar was formally established in 638 CE (17 AH) during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). Before this, the Arabs followed a lunar system but did not have one fixed year from which to count. Instead, important events were often used to identify different years, including the well-known Year of the Elephant.
Why Was the Hijra Chosen as Year One?
During the caliphate of Umar (RA), a discussion arose about how official documents should be dated. Umar (RA) consulted the senior Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, and several possibilities were considered, including the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, the beginning of his prophethood, and his passing.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) suggested using the Hijra as the starting point. The Hijra marked the migration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah and the beginning of the established Muslim community in Madinah. Umar (RA) accepted this suggestion, and the Hijri calendar was adopted as the Islamic system for numbering the years.
The Lunar Calendar and Its Wisdom
The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. The Quran reminds us that the new moons are a means of measuring time for people and for Hajj:
“They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.”
— Quran 2:189
Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, Islamic months move through different seasons over time. As a result, months such as Ramadan, Muharram, and Dhul Hijjah occur at different times of the solar year, allowing Muslims around the world to observe them across different seasons and climates.
Endless Welfare Foundation — Sharing beneficial Islamic knowledge with clarity and care.