A New Year for a Renewed You, Our Dearest QuranCo Family

As the delicate crescent moon ushers in the year 1447 AH, we extend our warmest greetings to you, our cherished QuranCo Family. This is a moment of profound significance, a divine gift of a new beginning. The Islamic New Year does not arrive with loud festivities, but with a quiet, sacred invitation to reflect, renew, and reconnect with our deepest purpose. It is a time to turn inwards, to assess our journey, and to set a course for a year filled with faith, growth, and closeness to Allah SWT. Let us embark on this blessed journey together, understanding the sanctity of this time and embracing the opportunities it holds for our personal and family development.  

A Blessed Beginning: Understanding the Divine Sanctity of Muharram

The month of Muharram is far more than just the first page of our calendar. It is one of the four sacred months, the Ashhurul Hurum, specifically sanctified by Allah SWT in His divine wisdom. This sacredness is not a human designation but a divine decree, established since the creation of the universe itself.  

In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah SWT states: {Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them…} (Quran 9:36).  

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further clarified these months for us, saying: “The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three are in succession, namely, Dhul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth one) Rajab…”.  

Adding to its profound status, Muharram is uniquely referred to as Shahrullah, or "the Month of Allah". This singular honor, not bestowed upon any other month, signals its immense virtue and calls us to a higher level of consciousness and reverence.  

This divine sanctity has a direct spiritual implication for our daily lives. During these sacred months, the weight of our deeds is magnified. The great companion and scholar Ibn Abbas (RA) explained that while sin is always a grave matter, it becomes even more serious during the sacred months. Likewise, the rewards for righteous actions are multiplied abundantly. This principle is not meant to instill fear, but to cultivate a heightened state of  Taqwa (God-consciousness), encouraging us to be more mindful of our actions, words, and intentions.  

The very structure of the Islamic calendar thus offers a powerful lesson. The new year begins not with worldly celebration, but with a month of solemn reflection and spiritual accountability. It sets a tone of mindfulness for the entire year, reminding us from the very first day that our time is a sacred trust and our deeds have weight. This is a divine invitation to establish a pattern of conscious living, making every moment count as we begin a new chapter in our book of deeds.

The Journey That Changed the World: Lessons from the Hijra for Our Lives

The Islamic calendar is known as the Hijri calendar for a reason. Its starting point, its very anchor in history, is the Hijra—the momentous migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This was not a journey of convenience; it was a flight from escalating persecution, a strategic move to a land where Islam could be preserved and practiced freely, allowing the first Muslim community, the ummah, to be established.  

Seventeen years after this pivotal event, during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), a need arose for a standardized calendar to bring consistency to administrative correspondence. After consulting with the senior companions, Caliph Umar (RA) made a profound choice. They decided against marking the calendar from the Prophet's birth or death. Instead, they chose the Hijra, because it represented the turning point for the Muslim community—a transition from a state of vulnerability to the establishment of a just society under divine guidance.  

The wisdom in this choice is multifaceted. While the calendar is named for the Hijra, which likely occurred in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, the companions chose Muharram as the first month of the year. This was a deliberate decision, as Muharram naturally follows Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj. The completion of this major pillar of Islam marks a spiritual culmination for the ummah, making the following month a natural and serene point to begin anew. This design teaches us a beautiful lesson: our identity is anchored in the transformative spirit of the Hijra—a constant movement towards Allah—while each new year provides a sacred space for reflection and renewal to re-energize that journey.  

The story of the Hijra itself is a timeless source of guidance for our own personal and family lives. It is a spiritual metaphor for any journey we take from a state that displeases Allah to one that pleases Him.  

• Trust in Allah's Plan (Tawakkul): Recall the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his beloved companion Abu Bakr (RA) taking refuge in the Cave of Thawr, with their pursuers just outside. In that moment of immense danger, the Prophet's words were of complete faith: “...he said to his companion, 'Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us'” (Quran 9:40). This is a powerful lesson for our families to place our complete trust in Allah during times of uncertainty and hardship.  

• The Power of Righteous Companionship: The unwavering support between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr (RA) exemplifies the importance of choosing friends and spouses who strengthen our faith and stand by us on the path of righteousness.

• Building a Community of Brotherhood: Upon arriving in Madinah, one of the Prophet's first actions was to establish a bond of brotherhood between the Muhajirun (the migrants from Makkah) and the Ansar (the helpers of Madinah). This teaches our families the importance of building supportive, faith-based communities, welcoming others with open hearts, and fostering a spirit of unity and mutual care.  

• Embracing Change for Growth: The Hijra was a radical change that ultimately allowed Islam to flourish. It inspires us to be courageous in making the necessary changes in our own lives—whether it's leaving a bad habit, changing our environment, or adopting a new routine—for the sake of our spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.  

Renewing Our Souls: Sunnah Practices for a Year of Barakah

Muharram is a month rich with opportunities to earn immense rewards and begin the year with acts of worship beloved to Allah SWT. The Prophet (peace be upon him) guided us to specific practices that elevate this sacred time.

The Best Fast After Ramadan

The most distinguished voluntary act of worship during Muharram is fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah's month of Muharram”. This hadith elevates the entire month as a prime time for this beautiful act of devotion, encouraging us to fast as much as we are able.  

The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram): A Day of Gratitude and Forgiveness

The crown jewel of Muharram is the 10th day, known as the Day of Ashura. Its significance is rooted in a history that connects our ummah with the prophets who came before.

• A Legacy of Gratitude: When the Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on the 10th of Muharram. When he inquired about the reason, they explained, “This is a righteous day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day”. In response, the Prophet (peace be upon him) declared, “We have more right to Musa than you,” and he fasted on that day and commanded the Muslims to do so as well. This act establishes a beautiful spiritual kinship with Prophet Musa (AS) and the entire legacy of prophets, teaching us to find joy and gratitude in Allah's mercy upon all believers throughout history.  

• An Ocean of Forgiveness: One of the greatest blessings of this day is the immense reward attached to it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “For fasting the day of 'Ashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before”. This is a profound mercy from Allah, offering us a chance to begin the new Hijri year with our slates wiped clean of minor sins, ready for a fresh start.  

Perfecting the Fast: The Sunnah of the 9th and 11th

To distinguish the Islamic practice and to earn greater reward, the Prophet (peace be upon him) guided us to fast an additional day alongside Ashura. When the companions noted that this day was also venerated by the People of the Book, the Prophet (peace be upon him) expressed his desire: “If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth day (of Muharram) too”. Although he passed away before the following year, his intention established a clear Sunnah. Based on this, scholars recommend one of the following approaches:  

• Fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram (known as Tasu'a and Ashura).

• Fasting the 10th and 11th of Muharram.

• Fasting the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram for the greatest reward.  

Beyond Fasting: Other Avenues for Blessings

While fasting is highly emphasized, the entire month is a canvas for good deeds.

• Night Prayer (Qiyam-ul-Layl): Often mentioned in conjunction with the fast of Muharram, the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that “the best prayer after the obligatory is the night prayer”.  

• Giving Charity (Sadaqah): The sanctity of Muharram multiplies the reward for every act of generosity. It is a perfect time to establish or renew a habit of giving, knowing that your contribution carries extra weight.  

• Generosity to Family: A beautiful hadith encourages us to connect our worship with our homes: “One who generously spends on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah will be generous on him for the entire year”. This links a day of spiritual significance with the practical act of strengthening family bonds through kindness and provision.  

• Increased Dhikr and Dua: Fill the days and nights of this blessed month with the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and heartfelt supplication (dua), asking for His forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for the year ahead.  

A Blueprint for a Better You: Setting Personal and Family Goals for 1447 AH

The arrival of a new year is a divine prompt to pause, reflect, and plan. Muharram provides the perfect spiritual backdrop to set meaningful intentions for personal and family growth. Let this be the year we build our resolutions on a foundation of faith.

The Foundation of Renewal: Muhasabah, Tawbah, and Shukr

Before looking forward, we must first look within. A truly fresh start is built on three pillars:

1. Muhasabah (Self-Reflection): Take some quiet time to look back at the year that has passed. What actions brought you closer to Allah? What habits pulled you away? This is not about dwelling on guilt but fostering honest self-awareness to guide your future.  

2. Tawbah (Repentance): Acknowledge your shortcomings and turn back to Allah with a sincere heart. True repentance involves feeling remorse, stopping the wrongful act, and making a firm resolution not to return to it. Remember Allah's boundless mercy in the Quran: “Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins'” (Quran 39:53).  

3. Shukr (Gratitude): Consciously thank Allah for the countless blessings of the past year. Gratitude is the key to unlocking even more blessings, for Allah promises, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you” (Quran 14:7).  

Your Personal Growth Plan for 1447 AH

Instead of an overwhelming list, focus on one or two meaningful and sustainable goals in key areas of your life.  

• Spiritual Goals:

• Salah: Deepen your connection in prayer. This could mean improving your concentration, learning the meanings of what you recite, or committing to praying all the Sunnah prayers associated with the obligatory ones.  

• Quran: Forge a daily relationship with the Book of Allah. Even five minutes a day can be transformative. Set a manageable goal, like memorizing one new short surah this month or reading a page with translation daily.  

• Knowledge: Commit to learning one new thing about your faith each week. This could be by reading a book on the Seerah, listening to a reliable lecture series, or taking an online course.  

• Character Goals (Akhlaq):

• Patience: Identify what triggers your impatience or anger and create a plan to respond with more forbearance and grace.  

• Mending Ties: The new year is a perfect time to heal relationships. Make a sincere intention to reconnect with a family member or friend with whom you have lost touch. This act is immensely beloved by Allah.  

Building a Faithful Family: Goals for Your Home

A strong and faithful family is built with intention. Use this new year to create a shared plan that brings everyone closer to Allah and to each other.  

• Worship Together:

• Designate at least one prayer (e.g., Maghrib) where the entire family prays in congregation daily.  

• Start a weekly family halaqa (study circle). It can be as simple as gathering for 15 minutes to read a story of a prophet or reflect on a verse from the Quran.  

• Learn and Grow Together:

• Islamic Story Time: Make storytelling a family ritual. Narrate the inspiring stories of the prophets—like the perseverance of Nuh (AS), the faith of Ibrahim (AS), or the gratitude of Musa (AS)—and discuss the lessons they hold for our lives today.  

• Family Sadaqah Jar: Create a charity jar that everyone can contribute to. Let the children help decorate it and decide as a family which cause to support with the collected funds. This teaches generosity and shared responsibility.  

• Plan and Bond Together:

• Family Vision Board: Get creative and make a vision board for 1447 AH. Include spiritual goals (like memorizing a dua together), educational goals, and fun family activities (like picnics or game nights).  

• Family Meetings (Shura): Hold regular, informal family check-ins. This teaches the beautiful Islamic principle of consultation (shura) and gives every member, especially children, a valued voice in the family's journey.  

Making Muharram Meaningful for the Little Ones

To instill a love for these beautiful traditions, it's essential to make them engaging and joyful for children.

• Creative Crafts: Make a homemade Hijri calendar, craft the phases of the moon to understand the lunar cycle, or find Islamic-themed coloring pages.  

• Engaging Stories: Use puppets, drawings, or props to tell the story of the Hijra or the miraculous parting of the sea for Prophet Musa (AS). Focus on the themes of courage, trust in Allah, and gratitude.  

• Fun and Games: Create a simple quiz about the sacred months or a scavenger hunt with clues related to the story of the Hijra. Learning through play makes the lessons memorable and fun.  

Sharing Joy and Blessings in the New Year

Muharram is a profound and personal time for renewal, forgiveness, and growth. It is an opportunity to strengthen the most important relationship in our lives—our bond with Allah SWT. As we nurture this connection, we naturally find our bonds with our families and communities strengthened as well. Starting the year with acts of kindness, generosity, and bringing happiness to our loved ones is a beautiful embodiment of the spirit of Islam.

As we focus on strengthening these precious family bonds and sharing the joy of a new beginning, a thoughtful gift can be a beautiful expression of this love. Marking the start of 1447 AH with a meaningful present from our collection at QuranCo.uk can bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and serve as a beautiful reminder of the spiritual journey you are embarking on together. Let it be a token of your prayers for their happiness and a symbol of the blessed year you wish for them.

We pray that Allah SWT makes this new year, 1447 AH, a year of immense blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual growth for you and your family. May He fill your homes with peace, your hearts with gratitude, and your days with purpose. May we all draw closer to Him and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and be among those who are renewed in faith and steadfast in action. Ameen.