Welcoming the Islamic Year 1447 AH

A Fresh Start for the Heart and the Ummah

As the new Islamic year 1447 AH begins, it is a beautiful chance for us as Muslims to pause, reflect, and reconnect with Allah ﷻ. The year started with the blessed month of Muḥarram, one of the most sacred months in Islam.

This is not just the start of another year. It is a reminder of where we came from as an Ummah, the struggles we faced, and the unity and brotherhood that made Islam strong from the very beginning.

Why Does the Islamic Year Matter?

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, began from one of the most important events in Islamic history. It starts from the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah. This was not just a journey to escape persecution. It marked the beginning of something far greater, the establishment of the first Islamic state.

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, the Muslims were given freedom to practise their religion openly. For the first time, Islam was not just in hearts and homes. It became the foundation of a full community. The people of Madinah, the Ansār, welcomed the Muhajirun, the Muslims who migrated from Makkah, with open hearts. There was no division. They shared everything they had, including wealth, food, and homes. This is where the true unity of the Ummah was born.

This Islamic state was built on justice, compassion, equality, and the worship of Allah ﷻ alone. The Prophet ﷺ served as the leader, judge, teacher, and spiritual guide. The laws were based on the Qur'an and the teachings of revelation. The message was simple and clear. Live for Allah ﷻ, support your neighbour, and stand firmly for truth.

The Leadership and Legacy of Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه)

After the Prophet ﷺ passed away, Islam continued to grow and flourish under the rightly guided caliphs. Among the most respected was Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه).

He was known for his honesty, strong character, and deep fear of Allah ﷻ. Under his leadership, Islam spread to lands such as Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. But Umar (رضي الله عنه) was not focused on conquering land. His mission was to spread justice, protect people’s rights, and implement the teachings of Islam correctly.

It was Umar (رضي الله عنه) who introduced the Islamic calendar. He wanted the Muslim Ummah to always remember the Hijrah. He did not choose the year of a battle or the Prophet’s ﷺ birth. He chose the Hijrah, a symbol of sacrifice, faith, and a fresh start for the Muslims.

He once said: 

“We were the lowest of people, and Allah raised us through Islam. If we seek honour through anything else, Allah will humiliate us.” (Athar – Statement of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه, recorded in Al-Mustadrak al-Ḥākim, 1/61; authenticated by al-Dhahabi)

Sadly, he was assassinated during the month of Muharram, while leading the Fajr prayer. His death was a great loss, but his example remains a guiding light for the Muslim world.

The Sacred Month of Muharram

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:

 “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred...” (Qur’an – Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

These sacred months are times when good deeds carry more reward, and sins are heavier. That is why Muḥarram is a time for serious reflection, worship, and self-improvement.

Fasting in Muharram and the Day of Ashura

One of the best things we can do during this month is to fast. The most rewarding day is the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura.

The Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ said: 

“The best fasting after the month of Ramadan is the fasting in Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Hadith – Sahih Muslim, 1163)

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the 10th. He asked why they fasted, and was told that it was the day Musa عليه السلام and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ said: 

“We have more right to Musa than them.” (Hadith – Sahih al-Bukhari, 2004)

He then fasted on that day and encouraged the Muslims to fast as well. Later, he recommended fasting an extra day either before or after Ashura, so Muslims would fast two days instead of just one. This was to make the Muslim practice distinct from that of the Jews. So, we fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muḥarram.

The Prophet ﷺ also said: 

“Fasting on the day of Ashura erases the sins of the previous year.” (Hadith – Sahih Muslim, 1162)

Imagine starting the year with your past sins forgiven, just by fasting these two days with sincerity.

Starting the New Year with Knowledge

As we begin the Islamic year, it is also a powerful time to make intentions for seeking knowledge. Learning the deen strengthens our faith, improves our actions, and helps us live our lives according to what pleases Allah ﷻ.

The Prophet ﷺ said: 

“Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” (Hadith – Sahih Muslim, 2699)

Knowledge is what gave strength to the early Muslims. It was never just about rituals. It was about understanding the wisdom behind those actions. That is why companions like Ibn Abbas, Aisha, and Ali (رضي الله عنهم) became leaders in both worship and wisdom.

In today’s world, seeking knowledge can be as simple as reading a book, attending a weekly class at the masjid, or even following a trustworthy scholar online. The key is to be consistent.

Start small but steady. Learn one hadith a week. Study the meanings of the short surahs you recite daily. Make a goal to improve your salah or your Arabic. Every step brings you closer to Allah ﷻ.

Imam Al-Shafi رحمه الله said: 

“Knowledge is not what is memorised. Knowledge is what benefits.” (Statement – Imam Al-Shafiʿi, recorded in Al-Jāmiʿ li-Akhlāq al-Rāwī by Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, 2/174)

So let this new year be a year of beneficial knowledge, action, and growth in your relationship with the deen.

The Message of Unity and Brotherhood

Muharram also reminds us of the beauty of unity in Islam. During the Hijrah, Muslims from different backgrounds became one family. There were no arguments about status, colour, or language. They were united by faith and love for Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ.

Today, the Ummah faces many challenges. There is division, conflict, and disunity even within our own communities. But Islam teaches us that we are stronger together.

Allah ﷻ says: 

“Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” (Qur’an – Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:92)

We must revive the spirit of the first Islamic state. A community built on brotherhood, truth, helping one another, and turning to Allah ﷻ in all matters.

How to Make the Most of Muharram

Here are some practical ways to benefit from this blessed month:

• Fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th

• Make sincere du’a and ask Allah ﷻ for a better year

• Increase Qur’an recitation and night prayer

• Give charity and help someone in need

• Reflect on your personal Hijrah and goals

• Stay away from sin, gossip, and wasting time

• Make peace with others and work towards unity

• Set weekly or monthly knowledge goals

Conclusion

As we welcome 1447 AH, take this opportunity to start fresh. Follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. Remember the sacrifices made for this deen. Focus on unity, strengthen your relationship with Allah ﷻ, and grow in beneficial knowledge.

May Allah ﷻ bless this year for all of us, forgive our sins, protect our families, and unite us as one strong Ummah.

Ameen

Sameul Ahmed Choudhury

Senior Analyst and Alimiyyah student of

Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz Hafizahullah