Blessed 1429H!

Many non-Muslims have the misconception that Eid (Hari Raya) is the New Year for Muslims, let me just clarify that Today's the New Year's eve accordin to the Islamic Calendar, whereas Eid are 2 days/period celebrated for overcoming fasting in the month of Ramadhan(Eid ul Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa) & performing of Hajj (for Eid ul Adha/Hari Raya Haji). Our New Year starts in Muharram, which falls after sunset (yeah a new day starts after sunset, dun have to wait till midnite) on the 9th of January tis year and it is year 1429 Hijriyyah for us!

The Islamic calendar starts in conjuction of commemorating the Prophet's(peace be upon him) migration(Hijrah) from the land of Mecca to Madinah, running away from the clutches of Pagan tribes in his homeland. This is a Very significant day as it marks the Beginning of the Islamic civilisation where Islam is accepted more openly and if we look back in history, renewed ties between the Arab tribes in Madinah itself and also with some of those migrants from Mecca are formed. It is a Remarkable feat because these Arabs were so quarrelsome & are always attacking & blaming each other previously*and history repeats itself now*!

It is so apt how tis migration is marked as the beginning of the New Year for us, especially in the modern day. Even though we do not go migrating from one place to another just to become a better practising Muslim, New Year is usually a time for reflections and settin new goals/resolution. In our context, we could also set our hearts to "migrate" closer to God, by improving our spiritual connection with God and also improve our relationships with the people around us. So seek forgiveness for the sins and wrongdoings that you have done for the past year, repent & pray for renewed/revived faith and seek His guidance for a better year ahead & of course, give Thanx & Praise to the Lord for the experiences & strength that He has bestowed for the past year!

Here are a couple of suggested prayers (Doa) for the blessings we had for the past year & in preparin us for life in the New Year. My apologies though, I can't find the English translation for these to share with those who are curious but don't understand Arabic or Malay.

Doa Akhir Tahun dibaca 3 kali pada akhir waktu Asar atau sebelum masuk waktu Maghrib  pada akhir bulan Zulhijjah.

Sesiapa yang membaca doa ini, Syaitan berkata"Kesusahan bagiku dan sia-sia lah pekerjaanku menggoda anak Adam pada setahun ini dan Allah binasakan aku satu saat jua. Dengan sebab membaca doa ini, Allah ampunkan dosanya setahun" 

 

 

Doa Awal Tahun dibaca 3 kali selepas maghrib pada malam satu Muharram. Sesiapa yang membaca doa ini, Syaitan berkata

"Telah amanlah anak Adam ini daripada godaan pada tahun ini kerana Allah telah mewakilkan dua Malaikat memeliharanya daripada fitnah Syaitan".

So to all my Muslim brothers & sisters, SALAM MA'AL HIJRAH! May u find Peace, Joy & Blessings in the New Year ahead!!