Latest news with #Mecca
UAE Moments
a day ago
- General
- UAE Moments
Islamic New Year: What Non-Muslims Should Know
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks a sacred moment in Muslim history. Here's everything non-Muslims should know about the meaning, customs, and how it's observed around the world. What Is the Islamic New Year? The Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year, signals the start of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins on the first day of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam. The calendar itself dates back to the Prophet Muhammad's migration—or Hijra —from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a defining moment in Islamic history. This year, the Islamic New Year 1447 AH (Anno Hegirae) falls on July 7, 2025, though dates may vary slightly depending on the moon sighting in different regions. Is the Islamic New Year Celebrated Like January 1? Not exactly. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, which is celebrated with fireworks and parties, the Islamic New Year is a quiet, reflective occasion. It's not celebrated with lavish events, but with prayer, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. Some Muslims mark the day with special sermons, reading the Qur'an, and giving charity. It's a moment to reset spiritually, not socially. Why Is Muharram Significant? The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. It's especially important to Shia Muslims, who mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day, known as Ashura. For both Sunni and Shia Muslims, Muharram is a time for peace, reflection, and remembrance, rather than celebration. How Do Muslims Celebrate the Islamic New Year? If you live in or are visiting a Muslim-majority country, here's what you might observe during the Islamic New Year: Mosques may host prayer gatherings or lectures Some countries declare public holidays, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia Families may share meals or donate to charity, but festivities are minimal In Shia communities, you may witness mourning processions or public recitations about Imam Hussain's sacrifice There are no mandatory religious rituals tied to the Islamic New Year, so customs may vary across countries and communities. What Should Non-Muslims Say or Do? Not sure how to greet Muslim friends or colleagues? Here are a few respectful options: 'Wishing you a peaceful Hijri New Year.' 'Blessed Muharram to you and your family.' Avoid saying 'Happy New Year' unless you know the recipient is comfortable with that wording, as the month is often solemn for many. If you're unsure, a simple acknowledgment and respect for the occasion go a long way. Is the Islamic Calendar the Same Worldwide? The Islamic calendar is based on lunar sightings, so the start of the new year can vary depending on the country. While some nations rely on astronomical calculations, others wait for the physical moon sighting, leading to slight differences in observance dates. Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt often declare official holidays once the new month is confirmed. Why the Islamic New Year Matters (Even If You're Not Muslim) Understanding the Islamic New Year can help foster cultural awareness and mutual respect, especially in diverse workplaces and international communities. As globalization connects more of us, knowing when and why your Muslim friends or coworkers may be observing a spiritual period— even in a quiet way —helps build stronger relationships. Plus, if you're living in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or working with international clients, being aware of public holidays and cultural customs can help you plan more effectively. Quick Facts: Islamic New Year for Non-Muslims The Islamic New Year isn't about countdowns or confetti. It's about reflection, renewal, and reverence. For non-Muslims, it's a meaningful opportunity to understand a deeply spiritual event and show respect for the diversity of global traditions. So next time the Hijri New Year comes around, you'll know exactly what it means, how it's observed, and why it matters.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Kaaba Kiswa replaced as Hijri Year 1447 begins
Mecca: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque today held the ceremonial changing of the Kiswa, the black silk covering of the Holy Kaaba, in observance of the start of the Islamic year 1447 AH. The new Kiswa, weighing 1,415 kilograms and measuring 14 metres, has been installed. It consists of four separate sides and the curtain of the door. The belt of the Kiswa comprises 16 pieces, in addition to seven pieces below the belt, 17 lanterns beneath the belt, four panels inscribed with Surat Al-Ikhlas (a Qur'anic verse), and one piece representing the decoration of the mizab (water spout). The Kiswa consumes around 825 kilograms of raw silk, dyed black within the complex, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver threads, 60 kilograms of pure silver threads and 410 kilograms of raw cotton.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Look: Kaaba Kiswa replaced for Hijri New Year, weighs over 1415kg
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has unveiled the new Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba on the first day of the Islamic New Year, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for more than a century. The new Kiswa weighs 1,415 kilogrammes and consists of 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels adorned with 68 Quranic verses stitched using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. To produce the new Kiswa, 120 kilogrammes of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilogrammes of pure silver, 825 kilogrammes of silk, and 410 kilogrammes of raw cotton were used. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were crafted using eight specialised weaving machines within the complex. Take a look at photos displaying the process of replacing the Kiswa: The truck with the Kiswah at Masjid Al Haram — ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025 The Kiswah change is underway at Masjid Al Haram — ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025 The installation of a new Kiswa is a complicated process that takes a few hours to complete, by up to 200 skilled technicians and craftsmen. The Kiswah Replacement continues at Masjid Al Haram — ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025 The complex's operational staff includes 159 skilled craftsmen who work to produce the gold-embroidered pieces for the holy Kaaba's Kiswa.
Argaam
2 days ago
- Business
- Argaam
Masar OKs Dinar Financial's acquisition of SAR 235M land plots
Shareholders of Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. (Masar) approved the transactions and contracts concluded in 2024 with Dinar Financial Co., its subsidiaries, or affiliated investment funds, during the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held on June 25. In a statement to Tadawul, the company stated that the transactions involved Dinar Financial acquiring two residential land plots within the Masar project. The sale, valued at SAR 235.05 million, was executed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the company's governance regulations and the Companies Law. The EGM also approved all other agenda items, the statement added.
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
On Islamic New Year, Saudi Arabia unveils new gold-embroidered Kiswa for Kaaba
Saudi Arabia unveiled the new Kiswa, the black and gold cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca, on the first day of the Islamic New Year in a sacred tradition that dates back to the Prophet Mohammed. The new Kiswa is made of 670 kilograms of natural black silk and 150 kilograms of gold and silver-plated thread. It features 68 Quranic verses embroidered with 24-karat gold-plated silver, all hand-stitched by skilled artisans using traditional Islamic embroidery techniques. For more news on Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. The massive textile spans 658 square meters, consists of 47 silk panels, and weighs more than a metric ton. It is produced annually at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Manufacturing of the Kaaba's Kiswa in Mecca, and its estimated cost is approximately $4.5 million (SAR 17 million). A ritual of reverence and precision The Kiswa is replaced every year on the first day of Muharram – which falls on Thursday in the lunar calendar – in a carefully coordinated operation involving over a hundred specialized technicians. The installation is carried out using electric lifts and scaffolding to ensure that no part of the Kaaba is exposed at any time. To protect the Kiswa from damage during the Hajj pilgrimage, a white cotton covering known as the 'Ihram of the Kaaba' is temporarily added to its lower portion. This barrier shields the cloth from being touched, torn, or stained as millions of pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba during the peak days of worship. What happens to the old Kiswa? Once the new Kiswa is in place, the previous year's covering is carefully removed, cleaned, and cut into approximately 56 pieces. These pieces are then distributed under royal directive to kings, heads of state, foreign ambassadors, prominent religious institutions, and international Islamic organizations. Other sections of the old cloth are preserved in government conservation facilities and archival storage centers, ensuring their protection from deterioration. These fragments are seen as symbols of spiritual and cultural heritage and are often displayed in official institutions, museums, and exhibitions. A global legacy Some of the oldest surviving pieces of the Kiswa date back to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. Notable examples include a 1517 Kiswa displayed at the Grand Mosque of Bursa in Turkey. Other historical fragments are housed in Cairo's Islamic museums and Turkish archives, showcasing the artistic legacy of Islamic civilization through centuries of Kaaba coverings. Evolution of the Kiswa tradition The tradition of covering the Kaaba dates back to the early days of Islam. During Prophet Mohammed's time, it was customary to drape the Kaaba in Yemeni cloth. Later, under the caliphs and Islamic dynasties, Kiswas were produced in Egypt and sent annually to Mecca in elaborate ceremonial caravans. Since 1927, following a royal order from King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia began producing the Kiswa locally. Today, the King Abdulaziz Complex employs hundreds of craftsmen and specialists who oversee the entire process – from dyeing and weaving the silk to stitching Quranic verses in gold and silver.
