History
The Islamic New Year according to wincalendar.com commemorates Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina. This migration was to escape the oppression and violence that the non-Muslim Quraish, the predominant tribe of Mecca, had been inflicting on him and his companions. He escaped to Medina on camel with his best friend, Abu Bakr. In Medina, Saudi Arabia, they were allowed to recover and grow spiritually and as a community.
Facts
Muharram (1st first month of the Islamic calendar), is the holiest month after Ramadan. This month is most recommended by Muhammad to fast and worship in.
The Islamic method of dating was invented by Umar ibn Al-Khattab, a close friend of Muhammad. He was the second Islamic Caliph (rulers) and in the year 638 he standardize the many calendars of the Arabian peninsula.
The Islamic calendar is lunar cycle based and contains twelve months that make up a total of 354.36 days together.
There are parallels between this holiday and the day of Ashura. Ashura commemorates what Muslims believe is Moses crossing the Red Sea to escape the oppressive Pharaoh on Ashura. Similarly, the Islamic New Year marks Muhammad's crossing the desert between Mecca and Medina to escape the oppressive Quraish nobles. For both observances, Muhammad recommended Muslims to fast.
The Islamic calendar is abbreviated A.H. or Anno Hegirae in Western languages. The first date on the Islamic calendar, 1,1 Muharram A.H. corresponds to July 16, year 622.
Top Events and Things to Do
Muslim parents traditionally tell their children of Muhammad's escape from Mecca to Medina on this night.
Attend a Islamic New Year Celebration. In Indonesia, the government holds various parades and marches to celebrate the Islamic new year. This includes chanting songs called kidung.
Read more about Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina by reading his biography, The Sealed Nectar.
Image: New Year blessing - clipartpanda.com