al hijrah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialised/Religious context)Formal, religious, historical, academic, journalistic (when referring to the Islamic calendar or new year).
Quick answer
What does “al hijrah” mean?
The Islamic New Year.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Islamic New Year; the first day of the month of Muharram, marking the migration (hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
A foundational event in Islamic history signifying the establishment of the first Muslim community (Ummah) in Medina, serving as the starting point of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK contexts, the Arabic transliteration 'Hijrah' is more common, while US media may also use the older anglicised form 'Hegira'. Both are understood.
Connotations
Neutral/formal in both dialects when used in correct context. Misuse in non-Islamic contexts would be rare and marked as odd.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in religious, historical, or international news contexts related to the Islamic world.
Grammar
How to Use “al hijrah” in a Sentence
[Muslims/Communities] + observe/celebrate + Al Hijrah.Al Hijrah + marks/commemorates + [the migration/the new year].The date of + Al Hijrah + varies + each Gregorian year.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “al hijrah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community will hijrah? (Not used as a verb in modern English.)
- They made their hijrah to Medina. (Noun used in a verbal sense, archaic.)
American English
- (Similarly not used as a standard verb.)
- The early Muslims hijrahed? (Incorrect/archaic.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The Hijrah calendar is lunar.
- They attended a Hijrah celebration.
American English
- The Hegira year is 1446.
- He gave a Hijrah-related lecture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in global company calendars noting international holidays.
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, and Middle Eastern studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare outside Muslim communities. May be mentioned in news about holiday announcements.
Technical
Used in astronomy/calendar calculations for converting between Hijri and Gregorian dates.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “al hijrah”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “al hijrah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “al hijrah”
- Pronouncing the 'j' as in 'jump' (it is a /dʒ/ sound).
- Using 'Al Hijrah' to refer to any migration.
- Writing 'Hijra' without the 'h' can refer to a different concept in South Asian contexts (third gender).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is typically observed with religious reflection, prayers, and sermons, not with parties and fireworks.
Because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10-12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar.
'Hijrah' is a direct transliteration from Arabic. 'Hegira' is an older Latinised/English adaptation of the same word. 'Hijrah' is more common in modern usage.
While some may use it, more common and appropriate Islamic greetings are 'Hijri New Year Mubarak' (Blessed Hijri New Year) or 'Kul 'am wa antum bi-khair' (May you be well every year).
The Islamic New Year.
Al hijrah is usually formal, religious, historical, academic, journalistic (when referring to the islamic calendar or new year). in register.
Al hijrah: in British English it is pronounced /æl ˈhɪdʒ.rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːl ˈhɪdʒ.rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A personal hijrah (metaphorical): a major migration or transformative journey in one's life.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "A Journey Hijacks the Calendar" – Al Hijrah was the journey (Hijrah) that 'hijacked' and started a new calendar.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY AS A NEW BEGINNING; MIGRATION AS FOUNDATION.
Practice
Quiz
What does Al Hijrah primarily commemorate?