in The Name Of Allah The Most High.

Miftahul Khairaaat Masjid Lokoja, Monthly lecture

“ISLAMIC NEW YEAR : Topic: IMPORTANCE OF. SELF-ASSESSMENT.”

By Alhaji Usman Tawhid Chief Imam of Jamaatu Nasrul islam,kogi state Chapter, Lokoja.

Abstract

The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks a profound historical and spiritual ” milestone in the Islamic calendar. Unlike secular celebrations of the New Year, the Hijrah is not merely a commemoration of time passing; it is a reflection on a pivotal moment in Islamic history — the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad #8 from Makkah to Madinah. This paper aims to explore the significance of the. Islamic New Year and advocate for its use as an occasion for deep self-assessment, personal growth, and moral recalibration, grounded in Qur’anic principles and prophetic teachings.

1. Introduction

The first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, signals the beginning of a new year. However, this calendar is not aligned with festivities or revelry; rather, it carries historical weight and spiritual reflection. It is based on . the Hijrah, the Prophet’s migration from oppression to freedom, from stagnation to progress, and from persecution to establishment of a moral society.and from persecution to establishment of mora society.

Thus, the Islamic New Year offers a natural and spiritually rich time for muhasabah (self-assessment), an essential Islamic concepts that encourages believers to evaluate their deeds, intentions, and spiritual states.

2, Historical and Spiritual Context of the islamic New Year

1 The Hijrah: More than a Journey

The migration was a turning point, symbolizing sacrifice, struggle (jihad), and renewal.

It was not an escape but a divine command to establish justice and the Islamic of way of life.

2.Muharram: The Sacred Month

One’of the four sacred months (al-ashhur al-hurum) in Islam.

The Prophet (saw) referred to it as ‘ the month of Allah” (shahrulldh), emphasizing its Sanctity.

Fasting on the 10″ day (Ashura) is highly recommended, connected to the “ deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS)and the concept of divine mercy.

3. The Concept of Self-Assessment (Muhdasabah) in Islam 3.1 Qur’anic Guidance

Surah Al-Hashr (59:18): “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow—and fear Allah.”

The verse calls believers to critically evaluate their actions and prepare for the Hereafter.

3 Prophetic Teachings

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The wise Person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” (Tirmidhi)

The early generations Of Muslims (salaf) were known for their constant self evaluation.

Types of Self-Assessment

(1) Spiritual: Are we fulfilling our obligations to Allah (salah, fasting, sincerity)?

(2) Moral: How are we treating others—family, neighbors, society?

(3)Social/Communal: Are we contributing to the betterment of our community?

(4) Intellectual: Have we sought knowledge, reflected on our purpose, and pursued truth? .

The Islamic New Year as a Time for Renewal.

Renewal does not mean mere change, but purposeful transformation. The Hijrah reminds us that sometimes external change (e.g., moving from sin to obedience) is necessary for internal growth.

Use this time to:

Set meaningful spiritual goals.

— Let go of harmful habits.

— Reconnect with the Qur’an‘and du‘a’ (supplication).

-Renew relationships and ask forgiveness.

— Realign your life with the values of taqwa, sincerity, arid justice.

Practical Methods for. Self-Assessment :

Daily Journaling: Write down deeds, intentions, and areas for improvement.

Spiritual Audit Checklist: Salah, qur’an recitation, charity, kindness, humility.

Monthly Reflections: Set aside time every month (e.g., beginning of Hijri month to evaluate progress.

Accountability Partners: Encourage mutual growth through regular discussion

     Conclusion

The Islamic New Year is not just a chronological marker—it is a spiritual Opportunity: The Hijrah teaches us that transformation often requires sacrifice, and trust in Allah. Let us make the New Year a season of muhasabah,a time to re-center our lives around divine purpose, to strive for personal
excellence, and to renew our covenant with Allah.

As Allah reminds us: “indeed, Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what is in themselves ( Qur’an: 13: 11,)

References 1. Qur’an, Stirah Al-Hashr 59:18 2. Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11 3. Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Hadith on self-accountability 4. Al-Ghazali, Ihya “Ulam al-Din 5. Ibn al-Qayyim, Madarij as-Salikin 6. Al-Mawardi, Adab al-Dunya wa al-Din

in The Name Of Allah The Most High.

Miftahul Khairaaat Masjid Lokoja, Monthly lecture

“ISLAMIC NEW YEAR : Topic: IMPORTANCE OF. SELF-ASSESSMENT.”

By Alhaji Usman Tawhid Chief Imam of Jamaatu Nasrul islam,kogi state Chapter, Lokoja.

Abstract

The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks a profound historical and spiritual ” milestone in the Islamic calendar. Unlike secular celebrations of the New Year, the Hijrah is not merely a commemoration of time passing; it is a reflection on a pivotal moment in Islamic history — the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad #8 from Makkah to Madinah. This paper aims to explore the significance of the. Islamic New Year and advocate for its use as an occasion for deep self-assessment, personal growth, and moral recalibration, grounded in Qur’anic principles and prophetic teachings.

1. Introduction

The first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, signals the beginning of a new year. However, this calendar is not aligned with festivities or revelry; rather, it carries historical weight and spiritual reflection. It is based on . the Hijrah, the Prophet’s migration from oppression to freedom, from stagnation to progress, and from persecution to establishment of a moral society.and from persecution to establishment of mora society.

Thus, the Islamic New Year offers a natural and spiritually rich time for muhasabah (self-assessment), an essential Islamic concepts that encourages believers to evaluate their deeds, intentions, and spiritual states.

2, Historical and Spiritual Context of the islamic New Year

1 The Hijrah: More than a Journey

The migration was a turning point, symbolizing sacrifice, struggle (jihad), and renewal.

It was not an escape but a divine command to establish justice and the Islamic of way of life.

2.Muharram: The Sacred Month

One’of the four sacred months (al-ashhur al-hurum) in Islam.

The Prophet (saw) referred to it as ‘ the month of Allah” (shahrulldh), emphasizing its Sanctity.

Fasting on the 10″ day (Ashura) is highly recommended, connected to the “ deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS)and the concept of divine mercy.

3. The Concept of Self-Assessment (Muhdasabah) in Islam 3.1 Qur’anic Guidance

Surah Al-Hashr (59:18): “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow—and fear Allah.”

The verse calls believers to critically evaluate their actions and prepare for the Hereafter.

3 Prophetic Teachings

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The wise Person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” (Tirmidhi)

The early generations Of Muslims (salaf) were known for their constant self evaluation.

Types of Self-Assessment

(1) Spiritual: Are we fulfilling our obligations to Allah (salah, fasting, sincerity)?

(2) Moral: How are we treating others—family, neighbors, society?

(3)Social/Communal: Are we contributing to the betterment of our community?

(4) Intellectual: Have we sought knowledge, reflected on our purpose, and pursued truth? .

The Islamic New Year as a Time for Renewal.

Renewal does not mean mere change, but purposeful transformation. The Hijrah reminds us that sometimes external change (e.g., moving from sin to obedience) is necessary for internal growth.

Use this time to:

Set meaningful spiritual goals.

— Let go of harmful habits.

— Reconnect with the Qur’an‘and du‘a’ (supplication).

-Renew relationships and ask forgiveness.

— Realign your life with the values of taqwa, sincerity, arid justice.

Practical Methods for. Self-Assessment :

Daily Journaling: Write down deeds, intentions, and areas for improvement.

Spiritual Audit Checklist: Salah, qur’an recitation, charity, kindness, humility.

Monthly Reflections: Set aside time every month (e.g., beginning of Hijri month to evaluate progress.

Accountability Partners: Encourage mutual growth through regular discussion

     Conclusion

The Islamic New Year is not just a chronological marker—it is a spiritual Opportunity: The Hijrah teaches us that transformation often requires sacrifice, and trust in Allah. Let us make the New Year a season of muhasabah,a time to re-center our lives around divine purpose, to strive for personal
excellence, and to renew our covenant with Allah.

As Allah reminds us: “indeed, Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what is in themselves ( Qur’an: 13: 11,)

References 1. Qur’an, Stirah Al-Hashr 59:18 2. Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11 3. Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Hadith on self-accountability 4. Al-Ghazali, Ihya “Ulam al-Din 5. Ibn al-Qayyim, Madarij as-Salikin 6. Al-Mawardi, Adab al-Dunya wa al-Din