Islamic New Year 1436AH has now begun. Islamic New Year is based on the lunar calendar. The Muslim calendar began when the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his followers immigrated (Hijra) from Makkah to Madina to establish a new Islamic state based on the teachings of the Holy Qurân The term “A.H” stands for “After Hijrah”/ after migration from Makkah to Madinah. This was a turning point for the Muslim community.
“As 1436 A.H arises on us, it is hoped that it will be a year of peace, where every human beings’ precious life is safe, every individual’s honour and dignity is preserved, every one’s freedom, so long as it is exercised with due responsibility, is respected,” said Imam Qari Muhammad Asim of Leeds Makah Masjid. “I hope that 1436 A.H and 2015 C.E is a year where universal humanitarianism is at the forefront of people’s minds. It is a year of harmonious coexistence of humanity transcending various stereotypes that keep raising their heads. I pray for peace, security and justice for all, in particular reconciliation between people caught in conflicts.”