Islamic New Year Holiday

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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 20. Islamic New Year Holiday. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Mwaka Mpya wa Kiislamu.

The Islamic New Year Holiday serves as a reminder to Muslim believers about the prophet Mohammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. This time is known as the year of Hegira, or in Swahili mwaka wa Hegira. Believers pray, read the Koran, and reflect quietly on themselves about Hegira. The date for celebrating this day differs every year.

In this lesson, you will learn how Kenyans celebrate this day.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

What is the name of the first month of the Islamic year?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

To celebrate this day, Muslims frequently send each other Islamic New Year's cards, or kadi ya Mwaka mpya, and wish each other the best of luck. Most of them also go to their Mosque to attend a special service held specifically in recognition of, and themed around, the New Year. The new year is awaited with great anticipation, with some people staying in the mosques until past midnight.

Muslims fast over the ninth, tenth, and eleventh day of the first month of the Islamic year. During these days, Mosques distribute free food, or mlo wa bure, to the public at night. Muslims gather together in large groups to engage in positive, productive activities, like cleaning the road and organizing games in celebration of the holiday.

Muslims also gather together to march in a parade held on New Year’s Eve so that they may usher in the new year together. They sing songs to praise God while wearing their traditional clothing, or mavazi ya kitamaduni. However, with the exception of singing religious songs, they are not permitted to speak, or even to eat or drink during their journey. The reason people are required to remain quiet is to encourage them to pray and thank Allah for giving them prosperity.

Though the Islamic New Year Holiday is not a national holiday in Kenya, many businesses and Muslim companies will close in recognition of this day.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

Do you know the name of the first month of the Islamic year?

The first month of the Islamic year is called Muharram. This year has twelve months and 354 days contrary to the usual year that has 364-and-a-quarter days.