About Maal Hijrah
Awal Muharram, the beginning of the new Hijrah year, is a historic occasion for Muslims around the world.
While traditions for Awal Muharram will vary from country to country, it is a public holiday in most Islamic countries, including Malaysia.
Awal Muharram is also known as Maal Hijrah in Malaysia.
To mark Awal Muharram, Muslims attend various religious activities, spiritual singing, religious meetings throughout the country. They recite Koranic verses and hold special prayers and sermons at public halls and mosques.
A popular Awal Muharram treat is a sweet rice porridge, called Bubur Asyura, which is eaten at breakfast together with friends and relatives.
The Islamic New Year represents the starting point of the Muslim era when Prophet Muhammad left Mecca for Medina to escape persecution in 622 CE.
The essence of Prophet Muhammad’s emigration was a process to change one's situation and as such, the focus of the festival is on reflection, remembrance and gratitude.
The arrival of the Hijrah year is seen as a time to make or renew resolutions. If the past year has been unproductive, Muslims must try to make this year constructive in every sense of the word. For those who led a meaningful life last year, then the aim this year is to be even better.
To mark the occasion, a 'Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah' is awarded to a Muslim personality to honour their contribution to Islam.
