Islamic New Year
In a few days, we’ll start the next Hijri year: 1448 years since that fateful journey. When Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion were deciding when the Islamic calendar should begin, they could have started with the Messenger of Allah’s ﷺ birth, or his death, or even Badr, but instead they set started with the Hijrah.
The Hijrah was a moment of extreme vulnerability for Islam, as it started with a plot to assassinate the Messenger ﷺ, yet Umar and the rest knew that it was the turning point to choose. Allah ﷻ describes the plot:
وَإِذْ يَمْكُرُ بِكَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِيُثْبِتُوكَ أَوْ يَقْتُلُوكَ أَوْ يُخْرِجُوكَ ۚ وَيَمْكُرُونَ وَيَمْكُرُ اللَّهُ ۖ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ
And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners. [8:30]
Sometimes we look at the world and see the vulnerability of goodness, Islam, and Muslims or perhaps the overwhelming capabilities and resources of the oppressors. Yet at the onset of every year, we mark the resilience and endurance of the Truth. Because no matter how vulnerable and weak we may seem, beyond their plotting and plans is the Best of Planners, orchestrating our affairs.
And when a believer truly secures that in their heart, they can proceed into the next year with full zest and energy to continue to strive for Allah’s sake ﷻ.
May Allah ﷻ reveal His wisdom in the world’s current affairs, and enable us to trust His plan when ours appear to fall apart 🤲
Part Two: Lessons for the New Year
As we step into 1447, there are a few reflections worth carrying with us.
First: The Hijrah teaches us that sacrifice precedes establishment.
The Sahabah did not arrive in Madinah with wealth, property, or resources. They arrived with their faith. The Ansar received them and shared everything. And from that act of selfless giving and determined sacrifice, a civilization was born. Whatever we are building — whether in our families, our communities, or our own souls — it begins with what we are willing to give up.
Second: Mark time with intention.
The Companions chose a calendar rooted in meaning, not just astronomy. Every time we write the Hijri date, we are reminded of a community that moved for Allah's sake. Ask yourself as this year turns: what is my Hijrah? What am I moving away from, and what am I moving toward?
The Prophet ﷺ reminded us that actions are by their intentions, and every person shall have what they intended. The narration is well known:
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى، فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى دُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوْ إِلَى امْرَأَةٍ يَنْكِحُهَا فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ "
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: “I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."”
A new year is a gift — a fresh page. Do not let it begin without a renewed intention.
Third: Do not despair at the scale of the challenge.
The early Muslims were outnumbered, outresourced, and surrounded. Yet Allah ﷻ promises in His Book that He is with those who are patient:
﴿يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ﴾
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient.”
— Quran 2:153, Al-Baqarah
And He further reminds us:
﴿فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا﴾
“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease [i.e., relief].”
— Quran 94:5, Ash-Sharh
Every hardship carries within it the seed of its own relief. This is not wishful thinking — it is divine promise.
Practical resolutions for 1447:
- Strengthen your Fajr — the day begins there.
- Reconnect with the Quran — even ten minutes daily compounds over a year.
- Repair one broken relationship before the month of Muharram ends.
- Give in charity consistently — even a small, regular amount.
The Hijrah was not an ending — it was a beginning. The Messenger ﷺ did not arrive in Madinah defeated. He arrived ready to build. That is the spirit we carry into every new year.
May Allah ﷻ make 1447 a year of barakah, healing, and victory for the ummah. May He keep our hearts firm upon His deen, accept our intentions, and guide our steps.
أَقُولُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ لِي وَلَكُمْ