Mohamedarif Mohamed Suleman (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) is a digital marketing specialist and an Educator-cum-Trainer. He has involved himself in community organisations and matters from a young age, and through his writings, continues to speak of social and cultural reform to this day. He is also the founding moderator of this forum.
As the moon waxes and wanes, marking the passage of celestial bodies across the vast canvas of the night, so too does the Islamic calendar usher in a new year. The Hijri New Year, particularly for Shi´a Muslims, is not merely a chronological marker; it is a profound spiritual threshold, a moment to pause, reflect, and most importantly, to embark on a journey of profound self-reformation. In a world increasingly dominated by the relentless ticking of clocks and the commodification of every moment, the Hijri New Year invites us to rediscover time as sacred, a precious trust from the Divine, imbued with opportunities for growth and spiritual ascent.
The very genesis of the Hijri calendar, commemorating Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s arduous yet transformative migration (Hijra) from Makkah to Medina, underscores the inherent link between time and radical change. This was not a flight of fear, but a strategic and divinely guided movement that laid the foundation for the flourishing of Islam. It symbolises a departure from stagnation and oppression towards a new beginning, a striving for a higher purpose. For us, as individuals, the Hijri New Year echoes this very sentiment: it is an invitation to undertake our internal hijra, to migrate from our spiritual shortcomings towards a state of greater purity, mindfulness, and devotion.
To undertake our internal hijra, to migrate from our spiritual shortcomings towards a state of greater purity, mindfulness, and devotion
From a Shia perspective, the arrival of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri year, immediately brings to mind the unparalleled tragedy of Karbala. While seemingly sombre, this remembrance is not intended to foster despair but to ignite a powerful flame of moral and ethical awakening. The sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS) and his companions stands as an eternal testament to unwavering truth, justice, and resistance against tyranny. It is a profound reminder that true renewal often necessitates immense courage, selflessness, and an uncompromising commitment to divine principles.
How, then, do we translate this historical and spiritual legacy into tangible self-reformation? The Hijri New Year, particularly in the shadow of Muharram, offers a unique opportunity for introspection. It prompts us to critically examine our actions, intentions, and character traits over the past year. Have we upheld justice in our dealings? Have we extended compassion to those in need? Have we been true to our covenants with Allah (SWT) and with humanity? This is not an exercise in self-condemnation, but a sincere assessment (ihtisaab) aimed at identifying areas for spiritual improvement.
The emphasis here is on proactive change. Just as Imam Husain (AS) chose the path of sacrifice over submission to falsehood, we are called to make conscious choices that align us more closely with divine will. This might involve cultivating patience where we are prone to anger, practising generosity where we tend towards miserliness, or dedicating more time to prayer and contemplation where we have been neglectful. It is about shedding the old, stagnant habits that hinder our spiritual progress and embracing new, life-affirming practices that draw us closer to the Divine.
It is about shedding the old, stagnant habits that hinder our spiritual progress and embracing new, life-affirming practices that draw us closer to the Divine.
Furthermore, the concept of “time as sacred” encourages us to view each moment not as an empty vessel to be filled with transient pursuits, but as an opportunity for spiritual cultivation. Every breath, every interaction, every thought holds the potential for either drawing us closer to or further away from our Creator. The Hijri New Year serves as an annual reset button, urging us to be more mindful of how we spend this precious commodity of life. Are we investing our time in that which truly matters, both in this world and the next?
Ultimately, the Hijri New Year, particularly when viewed through the lens of Muharram, is a powerful catalyst for personal transformation. It is a time to remember that our lives are a journey, and each year offers a fresh opportunity to recalibrate our moral compass, strengthen our spiritual resolve, and embark on a more purposeful path. By consciously engaging with the sacredness of time and drawing lessons from the profound sacrifices of our Imams, we can truly begin the ongoing process of reforming ourselves, becoming better individuals, and contributing to a more just and compassionate world. Let this new year be a testament to our commitment to internal hijra, a migration towards a more enlightened and divinely guided self.
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Mohamedarif Mohamed Suleman (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) is a digital marketing specialist and an Educator-cum-Trainer. He has involved himself in community organisations and matters from a young age, and through his writings, continues to speak of social and cultural reform to this day. He is also the founding moderator of this forum.
