Muslims celebrate new Hijri Year 1446 AH

By JT - Jul 08,2024 - Last updated at Jul 08,2024

Saudi workers adjust the new Kiswa, the protective cover that engulfs the Kaaba which is made from black silk and gold thread and is embroidered with Koran verses, in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca, on Saturday (AFP photo)

AMMAN — Muslims celebrate the Hijri New Year on the first day of the Islamic calendar's month of Muharram every year, a day many Islamic countries, including Jordan, declare an official holiday.

This year, Muslims are celebrating the year 1446 AH.

Besides the Gregorian (Miladi) calendar used in most parts of the world, the Hijri calendar is considered to be one of the four major calendars in use globally besides the Chinese and Persian calendars.

The Hijri calendar is the official calendar of Saudi Arabia.

Also known as the Lunar, Muslims use the Hijri calendar to determine the dates of religious events and observances, including Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and the beginning of the Hajj season.

This Hijri calendar is based on the 12 lunars of Muharram, Safar, Rabi Al Awal, Rabee Al Akhir, Jumada Al Ula, Jumada Al Akhirah, Rajab, Shaaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu Al Qada and Dhu Al Hijja.

The Hijri calendar was officially created during the reign of the second Khalifa Umar Ibn Al Khattab. The migration of Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, or hijra in 622AD from Mecca to Yathrib (Medina) marks the beginning of the Hijri year calendar and gives the calendar its name.

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