Is it correct to wish happy new Islamic year? I see many folks nowadays are doing this and also circulating duas etc. Are these masnun? What was the practice of holy prophet ﷺ at start of new year? I don’t remember growing up back home that our parents or scholars would greet us like this at start of month of Muharram. But my knowledge is limited, so would love to learn more. Jazakallah.
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
There is no doubt that the commencement of Muharram is an approach of great significance in Islamic theology. It is one of the sacred months, and has been mentioned in ahadeeth for carrying out righteous worships and fasts.
However, still there is nothing substantiated for the celebrating it as the new year or wishing other in the like. Nabi ﷺ has taught the companions of the du’a to be recited at the commencement of new month (inclusive of Muharram which is a new year). This dua states:
اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ، وَالْإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ، وَالْإِسْلَامِ، وَرِضْوَانٍ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ، وَجِوَارٍ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ
O Allah enter it (month/year) upon us with security, and Iman, with peace and Islam, with pleasure from (Allah) the Merciful, and protection from Shaytaan.
The year should begin with a somber engrossment into one’s service to Allah, seeking His protection from Shaytan and realizing that no milestone comes in the life of a servant that he is reminded of renewal and fortification of his servitude towards his Allah.
It is not a masnun action to send wishes and celebratory posts, letters or messages upon the approach of new year.
It is rather feared that such acts may simply emulate the action of other nations in celebration of New Year. And if so, then prophetic dictate tells us to abandon such emulation, lest we be judged as among them. May Allah Ta’ala protect us, Ameen.
You may read a direct response to that celebration of Gregorian New Year at https://fatwa.ca/permissible-us-greet-happy-new-year-others-not-respond-anyone-greets-us/
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi