Latest news with #ProphetMuhammad
Time Out Dubai
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time Out Dubai
Islamic New Year: Here's why it will be a long weekend in 2025
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that the Islamic New Year will be marked with a three-day long weekend in 2025. The announcement, made on Monday June 16, meant that we knew the official day off without waiting on the moon sighting committee to spot the crescent of Muharram. Islamic New Year is one of several public holidays in the UAE that, traditionally, rely on the Hijri calendar to be determined. Months in the Islamic Hijri calendar are either 29 or 30 days long, depending on the moon's visibility. In 2024, the date of Islamic New Year fell on a weekend, which meant that for the majority of people living in the UAE, there was no additional day off to mark the occasion. However, at the beginning of 2025, the UAE introduced a new public holiday law that allowed for more flexibility in when holidays tied to the Islamic Hijri calendar are celebrated. Introduced on January 1 2025, the new law allows the UAE government to move holidays to the beginning or the end of the week and improve our chances of more long weekends throughout the year. So, while the official start of the new Islamic year 1447 AH won't be confirmed until the evening of Wednesday June 25, we know that Friday June 27 will be an official holiday for the private and public sectors. Current astronomical predictions indicate that Dhu Al Hijjah will be a 29-day month, which would mean that Thursday June 26 is the likely first day of the Islamic year. But if Dhu Al Hijjah is a 30-day month, then Friday June 27 will be the first day of the break. The Islamic New Year public holiday has been announced (Credit: Canva) This would have no bearing on the start of the public holiday, however, as only one day is set aside for the occasion in the UAE public holiday law. The article in the UAE public holiday law related to the transfer of official holidays applies to all occasions except Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. If the Eid holidays fall on a weekend, then they won't shift to another time of the week. However, the Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) are holidays that can now move around the week to give us a long weekend. More news in Dubai There will be two Ramadans in 2030 – here's why This won't happen again until 2063 When you can expect three Eid holidays in one year (yes, three) Eid, sleep, repeat UAE public holidays 2026: All the predicted days off next year revealed Including when we can expect a six-day weekend
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Islamic New Year 2025: UAE declares June 27 a private sector holiday
The UAE has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a paid public holiday for the Islamic New Year — giving residents across the country a welcome long weekend. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Monday that the private sector would observe the day off, following an earlier confirmation from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources for public sector employees. The holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1447 AH and commemorates the Hijrah — the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — a defining moment that signifies the start of the Islamic lunar calendar. Though the Islamic New Year, or Ra's As-Sanah Al-Hijriyah , is not traditionally celebrated with the same prominence as Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it remains a significant spiritual occasion and is recognised as an official public holiday in the UAE. With the day falling on a Friday, many in the country will enjoy an extended weekend. Looking ahead, the next expected public holiday will be Mawlid Al Nabawi , the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), likely to fall on Thursday, 4 September 2025 — subject to official moon-sighting confirmation. The UAE's final public holidays for the year will be Commemoration Day and National Day, observed on 2 and 3 December respectively.
Saba Yemen
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Hodeida rallies in 221 squares, vowing continued support for Gaza. holy sites
Hodeida – Saba: Hodeida governorate on Friday witnessed massive popular marches in 221 squares across its cities and rural areas, demonstrating unwavering public mobilization and escalation in support of the Palestinian people under the slogan "We will continue to support Gaza and holy sites, regardless of the challenges." Huge crowds, including governor Abdullah Atifi and other senior officials, gathered, reflecting widespread national awareness and growing momentum in solidarity with the revolutionary leadership and readiness for the battle to defend national sovereignty. Participants proudly waved Palestinian and Yemeni flags, chanting slogans condemning the Zionist aggression against Gaza, Yemen, and Tehran, while affirming their full readiness for jihad on the front lines. The participants emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces' military operations against the Zionist entity represent the highest form of loyalty to the Palestinian cause and demonstrate a unified will against projects of hegemony. They highlighted recent massacres at relief sites as proof of the enemy's use of hunger as a weapon and its exploitation of aid operations to liquidate civilians, revealing a comprehensive genocide plan backed by international silence and Arab complicity. The marches underscored that the aggression against Yemen and Palestine are intrinsically linked, and the ongoing steadfastness marks a crucial turning point between submission and freedom. The participants expressed pride in the deterrent equations imposed by the Yemeni Armed Forces, which have confounded the enemy's calculations, including naval and air blockades and direct threats to vital sites. They renewed their absolute mandate to the Leader of the Revolution to make decisions supporting the Palestinian people and continuing military escalation, condemning the Zionist aggression against Iran as an attempt to halt support for Palestine. This escalation, they stressed, will not break Tehran's will but will strengthen regional peoples' faith in the unity of the battle and the clarity of the enemy. Coinciding with the Day of al-Wilayah, these marches also represented a renewal of loyalty to Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, and the beacons of guidance, with the people of Yemen affirming their commitment to the battle of liberation and confrontation. Hodeida marches' statement detailed Gaza's dire humanitarian conditions and ongoing massacres, stressing the imperative for continued support for Palestinians. It warned of divine punishment for those who fail to support the oppressed, citing Quranic verses. The statement praised the recent successful naval blockade-breaking strikes by the Yemeni Armed Forces, urging a collective stand to avoid historical shame. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
UAE Moments
13-06-2025
- UAE Moments
UAE's Predicted Dates for Hijri New Year, Ramadan, and Eid
With the Eid Al Adha break now wrapped up, UAE residents can start looking forward to the next official public holiday: the Islamic New Year, expected to fall on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! According to astronomical calculations, this date is likely to mark 1 Muharram 1447 AH, the beginning of the new Islamic lunar year. While it's still pending official confirmation from the UAE's moon-sighting committee, the projection gives hope for a one-day midweek break and maybe even a long weekend, depending on government announcements. What Is the Islamic New Year? Also known as Hijri New Year, this day commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It marks the start of the Islamic calendar. While it's not celebrated with the same scale as Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it's still a meaningful date and is observed as a public holiday in the UAE. What's the Next Religious Holiday After That? Following the Islamic New Year, the next significant occasion is Mawlid Al Nabawi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, which is expected to be observed on Thursday, September 4, 2025. As always, the exact date will depend on the official moon sighting. Islamic Calendar Highlights for 2026 Looking further ahead, the Islamic calendar in 2026 will bring several key religious dates during the cooler months, offering more opportunities for long weekends and spiritual observances: Ramadan 2026 is likely to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This sacred month of fasting and reflection shifts earlier every year. Eid Al Fitr 2026, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, a potential three-day weekend for many. Eid Al Adha 2026, the most significant of the Islamic holidays, is forecasted to be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, based on an expected moon sighting on May 17. A Quick Note on Accuracy All these dates are based on astronomical forecasts and may shift depending on the actual sighting of the moon. The UAE government typically confirms public holidays closer to the date, so keep an eye on official announcements. Until then, mark your calendars and get ready for more well-timed breaks in the coming year!
Arab News
09-06-2025
- Arab News
Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia's sacred heritage
JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith. In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means 'Mountain of Light.' At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel. The mountain's distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history. Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: 'There's something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it's not just a climb, but it's a spiritual awakening.' To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider's web and a dove's nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims. Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da'wah and the great spiritual responsibility. • Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. • Programs like 'Hala,' launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay'ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad. Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma'la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet's beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence. 'Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,' Khan added. Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: 'We're planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city's rich Islamic heritage. It's a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.' Further west of the Prophet's Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam's critical battles. Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet's uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss. Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi' Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet's family members and companions. Located near the Prophet's Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam's formative years. Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet's leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone. Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: 'I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur'anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.' Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like 'Hala,' launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context. Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: 'Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.'
