OUTLOOK — By Ali Al Matani — The Hijri days, months and years pass and we do not know when they start and when they end. We do not even pay attention to the Hijri calendar compared with its Gregorian counterpart. This is a strange paradox that makes one wonder “How we do not pay attention to our Hijri calendar compared to the Gregorian one?”
Unfortunately, we do not take care of the Hijri calendar except with the start of the holy month of Ramadhan, upon its end and at the advent of the first ten days of Dhul al Hijja only. As for the remaining days and months of the Hijri calendar, most of us can hardly remember them accurately. On the other hand, we remember the days of the Gregorian months just as we remember the names of our children and brothers.
Our attention paid to the days of the Gregorian year is attributed to our association with the beginning and end of these months in schools and at work. We also receive our salaries according to the Gregorian calendar, sign agreements, hold meetings and take our holidays according to the Gregorian calendar.
All our daily, monthly and annual dealings are based now on the Gregorian dates and appointments without paying attention to our Hijri Calendar, which became completely forgotten by us except in the famous religious occasions like the start and the end of Ramadhan, Eid al Fitr, the Haj Season and the start of the Hijri year.
The Hijri calendar is very dear to our hearts. It marks Prophet Muhammed’s (Peace be upon him) immigration to Al Madina al Monwara and the lofty meanings and connotations attached to this occasion. That is why we shall take pride in this occasion and be closely attached to it.
Changing the methodology of dealing to the Hijri days, months and years will establish the Hijri calendar and promote its status compared with its Gregorian counterpart. This could not be achieved except through many steps that aim at approving the Hijri calendar as the main calendar in all our official dealings and at schools and other governmental authorities.
