Hijri Calendar 2023 Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide
As a Muslim living in Saudi Arabia, I have always followed the Hijri calendar to keep track of important Islamic events and festivals. The Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle and is used to determine the dates for Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the Hijri calendar for the year 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
What is the Hijri Calendar?
The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar used by Muslims to determine the dates of important religious events and festivals. It is based on the cycles of the moon, with each month starting with the sighting of the new moon. The Hijri calendar has 12 months, with each month ranging from 29 to 30 days.
When does the Hijri Year 1444 Start?
The Hijri year 1444 will begin on August 10, 2023, according to the Ummul Qura calendar, which is the official calendar of Saudi Arabia.
Important Events and Festivals in the Hijri Calendar 2023 Saudi Arabia
There are several important events and festivals in the Hijri calendar for the year 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Some of these events include:
- Muharram: The first month of the Hijri calendar, which marks the Islamic New Year. Muharram will begin on August 10, 2023.
- Ashura: The 10th day of Muharram, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Ashura will be observed on August 19, 2023.
- Rabi al-Awwal: The third month of the Hijri calendar, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Rabi al-Awwal is expected to begin on November 8, 2023.
- Ramadan: The ninth month of the Hijri calendar, which is a month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims. Ramadan is expected to begin on April 27, 2023.
- Eid al-Fitr: The festival of breaking the fast, which marks the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on May 27, 2023.
- Hajj: The annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj is expected to take place from August 6 to August 11, 2023.
- Eid al-Adha: The festival of sacrifice, which marks the end of Hajj. Eid al-Adha is expected to be celebrated on August 11, 2023.
World Events and Festivals in the Hijri Calendar 2023 Saudi Arabia
Aside from the Islamic events and festivals, there are also several world events and festivals that fall within the Hijri calendar for the year 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Some of these events include:
- National Day: Saudi Arabia’s National Day is celebrated on September 23 every year, and marks the unification of the country by King Abdulaziz in 1932.
- Janadriyah Festival: The Janadriyah Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in Riyadh every year, and celebrates the country’s heritage and traditions. The festival is expected to take place from February 7 to February 20, 2023.
- Formula E: The Formula E championship is an international electric car racing series that takes place in different cities around the world. The championship will come to Saudi Arabia on December 16 and 17, 2023, with a race in the city of Jeddah.
Question & Answer
Q: How is the Hijri calendar calculated?
A: The Hijri calendar is based on the sighting of the new moon, and is calculated by a panel of Islamic scholars and astronomers who observe the moon each month.
Q: What is the significance of the Islamic New Year?
A: The Islamic New Year marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, and is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith and renew their commitment to Islam.
Q: What is the significance of Ashura?
A: Ashura is a solemn day of mourning for Muslims, as it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in battle in the year 680 AD.
Q: What is the significance of Eid al-Fitr?
A: Eid al-Fitr is a joyous festival that marks the end of Ramadan, and is a time for Muslims to celebrate with family and friends, give charity to the poor, and express gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
Q: What is the significance of Hajj?
A: Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is a time for Muslims to come together in Mecca to perform the rituals of the pilgrimage, which include circling the Kaaba, standing on the plains of Arafat, and throwing stones at the pillars of Satan.
Q: What is the significance of Eid al-Adha?
A: Eid al-Adha is a festival that marks the end of Hajj, and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah. Muslims around the world celebrate by sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat to the poor.