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 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 migration 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 migration
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
migration 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 migration, 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