Amman, June 15 (Petra) As the month of Muharram begins, Jordanians and Muslims around the world welcome the Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year), commemorating the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s Hijrah (migration), a pivotal turning point in Islamic history and an occasion that renews the values of faith, perseverance, institution-building and planning for the future.

In this context, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalaileh said the occasion holds special significance in Jordan, stemming from the Hashemite lineage connected to the Prophet Muhammad. He noted that the Hashemites have, throughout history, borne a religious and moral responsibility to serve Islam, defend its causes, and promote enlightened religious awareness grounded in moderation, balance, and tolerance.

Khalaileh said the ministry seeks to embody these values through sermons, religious lessons and commemorative events held in mosques across the Kingdom to mark the Prophet’s Hijrah and reflect on his exemplary life.

He also highlighted the historical significance of the occasion, noting that the Islamic calendar was adopted during the era of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab, when it was decided that the Prophet’s Hijrah from Mecca to Medina would serve as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

The minister explained that the migration marked the transition of the Islamic call from a period of vulnerability to one of state-building and the establishment of justice, brotherhood and achievement. He stressed that it was not merely a geographical move but a comprehensive civilizational project that laid the foundations for a new era in the history of the Muslim nation, making its anniversary an annual opportunity to draw inspiration from the values of work, giving and renewal.

Khalaileh underscored Jordan’s central role in safeguarding the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and preserving their Arab and Islamic identity. He said the Hashemite Custodianship, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, is reflected in ongoing political, diplomatic, and reconstruction efforts that have earned broad appreciation from the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, while Ashura, observed on the tenth day of Muharram, is considered a significant spiritual occasion during which Muslims are encouraged to fast in accordance with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Hijri New Year is characterized by a quiet spiritual atmosphere rather than festive celebrations and is viewed as an opportunity for reflection, self-assessment and contemplation of the meaning of Hijrah as a continuous journey toward improvement at both the individual and societal levels.

As the new Islamic year begins, Jordanians recall the profound lessons of the Prophet’s Hijrah, emphasizing that its anniversary remains a renewed occasion to reaffirm commitment to the message of Islam brought by the Prophet Muhammad and faithfully preserved by his family, companions and successive generations throughout history.

//Petra// AF