GenSan News Online Mag

On December 18, 2009, the whole Islam world observes the Amon Jadid or the Islamic New Year.

The date corresponds to the 1st day of Muharram 1431 Hijrah, or the first day of the month of Muharram, the month in which the prophet Mohammed emigrated from Mecca to Medina.  The holiday is also called simply Muharram.

The way our brother and sister Muslims celebrate the New Year is very much different from our traditional way of doing it. They congregate in mosques to offer prayers and stay on to listen to readings from the Koran.

A very significant portion of the prayer service is the narration of the Hegira.  This is the story of the above-mentioned migration of the prophet Mohammad from Mecca to Medina.  The day is spent in prayer and reflection on one’s life.

There are usually no fireworks, noisemakers and the usual celebrations we associate with the New Year, althought the open cities in the Middle East have been imitating the Christian way of doing it.  Otherwise, it is one solemn day for the Islam world.

Here in South Central Mindanao, particularly in General Santos City, the Office of Muslim Affairs XII-A, has declared December 18, 2009 as a Muslim Holiday, by virtue of PD 1083 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277 dated November 13, 1981.

In his letter to GenSan City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., OMA Officer-in-Charge Datumanong S. Colano wrote, “In view of the significance of the occasion, please excuse concerned officials and employees of your office from reporting to office to allow them (sic) celebrate the holiday.”

That means, no work for government agencies, bank institutions, etc and no classes in all schools in the city.,

With that, allow us to greet our pagari’s a “HAPPY AND PEACEFUL ISLAMIC NEW YEAR!”