Hijri Calendar 2023 Uae: A Guide To Islamic Festivals And Events
Introduction:
As a Muslim living in the UAE, it is essential to keep track of the Islamic calendar to celebrate the festivals and events that are significant to our faith. The Hijri calendar, which began in 622 AD with the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is based on lunar cycles and consists of 12 months. In this article, we will explore the events and festivals that will take place in the Hijri Calendar 2023 UAE.
The Month of Muharram:
The Hijri Calendar 2023 will begin with the month of Muharram, which is a sacred month for Muslims. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a significant day of mourning for the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). In the UAE, this day is observed with prayers and fasting.
The Month of Rabi’ al-Awwal:
The third month of the Islamic calendar is Rabi’ al-Awwal, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This month is celebrated with religious gatherings, sermons, and the recitation of the Holy Quran. The UAE is known for its grand celebrations during this month, with mosques and public places lit up with colorful lights.
The Month of Ramadan:
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a month of fasting, prayer, and charity. Muslims in the UAE observe this month with great devotion by abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The month of Ramadan is also a time for family gatherings and community iftars (breaking of the fast).
The Month of Shawwal:
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. This festival is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, and it is celebrated with prayers, gifts, and feasting. In the UAE, Eid al-Fitr is a time for families to come together and exchange gifts and sweets.
The Month of Dhu al-Hijjah:
The last month of the Islamic calendar is Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the month of Hajj (pilgrimage). Muslims from all over the world come to the holy city of Mecca to perform the pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. In the UAE, this month is observed with prayers and celebrations of Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Events and Festivals in Hijri Calendar 2023 UAE:
Apart from the religious festivals and events, there are several cultural events that take place in the UAE throughout the year. Some of the festivals that will take place in the Hijri Calendar 2023 UAE are:
- The Dubai Shopping Festival in January
- The Abu Dhabi Festival in March
- The Sharjah Light Festival in February
- The Dubai Food Festival in April
- The Abu Dhabi Summer Season in July
Q&A:
Q: What is the significance of the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar?
A: The month of Muharram is significant because it marks the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), in the Battle of Karbala. Q: What is the significance of Eid al-Fitr?
A: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan and is a time for celebration and feasting. Q: What is the Hajj pilgrimage?
A: The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it involves traveling to the holy city of Mecca to perform religious rituals.
Conclusion:
The Hijri Calendar 2023 UAE is full of significant events and festivals that are essential to the Muslim community in the UAE. From the month of Muharram to the Hajj pilgrimage, these events are a time for reflection, celebration, and community. The UAE is known for its grand celebrations and cultural events, which add to the richness of the Islamic calendar.