This month, the IDEAS Council chose to reflect on the importance of the Islamic New Year.
The Islamic New Year — also known as the Arabic New Year or Hijri New Year — is recognized on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Islam’s calendar is based on the revolutions of the moon rather than the sun; thus, one year is only 354 days long.
The first year of this calendar began in 622 A.D. when the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina. The Prophet Muhammad needed to relocate due to of threats on his life, and this date represents the starting point of the Muslim era as it coincides with the Hijrah, the name for the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Medina.
When the new crescent moon appeared on July 28, 2022, Muslims around the world celebrated the beginning of the Hijri New Year. Muharram, the sacred first month that kicks off each year, is a time of mourning and reflection and—as per Muhammad’s teachings—is not considered a celebration. Mutton (a mature sheep) is often served as the main course for this holiday meal.
We are looking for two new council members to join the IDEAs Council, if interested please reach out to Hailey Lavoie at HLavoie@CMCenergy.com or the council general email at Ideascouncil@CMCenergy.com.
IDEAs Council topics for the coming months:
October – Hispanic Heritage Month
November – National Native American Heritage & Birth of Bāb
December – International Human Rights Day & Kwanzaa
If any of these topics inspire you to share your story, a friend or loved one’s story, or simply would like to expand on why the topic is important to you, please feel free to reach out to the IDEAs Council at Ideascouncil@CMCenergy.com.