Understanding the Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year is a significant occasion for Muslims worldwide. This year, reflecting on the Islamic new year encourages introspection and renewal, reminding us of the profound meaning behind ‘hijra,’ which signifies a journey from negativity to positivity in all areas of life.
The Significance of Hijra
In the early years of Islam, believers faced increasing persecution, hardship, and boycott from the Meccans. Despite these challenges, they remained steadfast in their faith. Ultimately, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated from Mecca to Medina, an event that marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
What Does Hijra Truly Mean?
Hijra is more than just a physical relocation; it embodies striving for Allah’s pleasure above all else. It’s about turning towards truth and adhering firmly to it, distancing oneself from desires and temptations, and pursuing a life filled with righteous deeds and virtuous character. It signifies seeking repentance from the Almighty and making a firm commitment to move from prohibitions to what is permissible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “A Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue other Muslims are safe.” And “The emigrant is the one who abandons Allah’s prohibitions,” drawing our attention to this crucial aspect.
Personal Hijra
Each of us has a personal ‘hijra’ to undertake. It requires recognizing our mistakes, confronting our shortcomings, finding peace within ourselves, and heeding the call of our innate nature.
The Path of Islamic Renewal
For a Muslim, hijra is about moving from arrogance to humility, anger to compassion, selfishness to selflessness, injustice to fairness, and despair to hope.
- Moving away from the evils of the tongue – lies, slander, gossip, and backbiting – and embracing truthfulness, brotherhood, and affection.
- Protecting oneself and one’s descendants from misguided ideologies and wrong paths, leading a life in accordance with Islamic values.
- Avoiding prohibited acts that undermine peace and security, such as alcohol, adultery, interest, bribery, hoarding, and black marketeering.
- Refraining from any sin that violates the rights of others or the public good, paying close attention to one’s words, actions, and dealings.
Looking Ahead
Muslims should grasp the meaning and importance of the Islamic New Year, accurately assess their current circumstances, make an accounting of their lives, and direct themselves towards the future. They should prioritize Islamic brotherhood, unite with one another, and share their material and spiritual resources.
May this Islamic new year be a means for smiles on the faces of the oppressed, peace for humanity, strengthening our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood. We pray to Allah Almighty for this outcome.
We conclude our sermon with the following verse:
“Those who believe and emigrate [in the cause of Allah] and strive hard in Allah’s way with their possessions and lives….” (Quran 8:72)