Islamic New Year in Sudan
Islamic New Year begins on 1 Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. In Sudan, the Cabinet Secretariat has announced an official holiday for the occasion; its notice also treats bank arrangements separately from the general work schedule.[1][2]
The date and its meaning
The Hijri calendar counts its years from the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Yathrib, later known as Medina. The first Hijri year was set to begin on 1 Muharram, making the New Year a marker of the calendar era associated with that migration.[2]
The Hijri calendar is lunar, with months beginning around the new moon. Its year is shorter than the solar year, so 1 Muharram falls at different points in the Gregorian calendar over time.[2] In Sudan, the Cabinet Secretariat’s announcement calls the occasion the holiday of the Hijri New Year and extends greetings to Sudanese people and Muslims.[1]
A public holiday in Sudan
Sudan’s Cabinet Secretariat has announced an official holiday for the Hijri New Year. In its published notice, it said employees would resume work on the following day under the rules governing official working days and hours.[1]
The notice says the governor of the Central Bank of Sudan would issue a separate circular to regulate work in the banking sector during the holiday.[1] Residents and visitors should check directly with the service they plan to use.
Local observances and practical plans
The official notice confirms the holiday and offers New Year greetings.[1] Check with local mosques or community organisations for information about events or customs.
The Gregorian equivalent changes because the Hijri calendar follows lunar months.[2] For practical planning, verify bank and other service hours separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in Sudan?
The Cabinet Secretariat has announced it as an official holiday and specified when employees resume work. The notice handles banking arrangements separately.[1]
When does Islamic New Year fall?
It begins on 1 Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. Its Gregorian date shifts from year to year because the Hijri calendar is lunar.[2]
Are banks closed in Sudan on the holiday?
The Cabinet Secretariat’s notice says the Central Bank governor would issue a separate circular about banking work. Check with your bank for its hours.[1]
Are shops and public transport open?
Check with shops and public transport operators before travelling or making plans.
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Sudan:
- الأمانة العامة لمجلس الوزراء تعلن عطلة العام الهجري الجديد- Government of the Republic of Sudan, Cabinet Secretariat
- Islamic calendar | Months, Definition, & Facts- Encyclopaedia Britannica