Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar which is ten or twelve days shorter than the Gregorian calendar followed by the West. Also known as Al Hijri or Arabic New Year, the Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram.

In India, if the crescent moon is sighted on Thursday evening, Al Hijri 1442 or Islamic New Year will be celebrated on August 21. Muharram is considered a holy month by followers of Islam, next only to Ramadan, since it was in this month that Allah saved the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. To thank Allah for saving them, Prophet Musa observed a day’s fast on the tenth day of the month.

Later, in 622 CE, it was in the month of Muharram that Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. Hijra Anniversary of the Holy Prophet is marked in this month. It was in Medina that he learnt from the Jews about Prophet Musa and his followers fasting on Ashura, tenth day of Muharram and decided that he would observe a fast too both on the ninth and tenth day of Muharram.

With Islamic New Year or Al Hijri 1442 just around the corner, here are some WhatsApp messages, Facebook status, quotes and SMS to wish your family and friends and boost their faith on Muharram 2020.

Credit: Hindustantimes