Hijri 1429 Begins
Abu Eesa reminds us what the Islamic New Year means historically, and what we should do about it.
It is also narrated from Ibn ‘Asakir on the authority of Sha‘bi (al-Shamarikh fi ‘Ilm’l-Tarikh, Imam al-Suyuti, p. 23) that the Companions realised that a calendar was required but they differed on when to start it from. Some suggested the advent of the Prophethood whereas others suggested the death of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) but ‘Umar said, “No, rather we’ll start from his migration for it was that which distinguished between the truth and falsehood.” And thus it was so established.
Just as the Gregorian New Year is considered a time for personal reflection and analysis, Abu Eesa reminds us that our whole lives should be spent in the same sort of personal reflection.
For those who aren’t in this excellent habit of self-audit and accounting ones internal state and performance of good deeds regularly, then the beginning of Muharram provides a nice opportunity to actually think about what we’re doing with ourselves. This accounting of course was the natural action of the Prophetic Generation, and we know that ‘Umar (radhy All?hu ‘anhu) said, “Account yourselves now before you are accounted.”
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