THE 18th annual cultural programme to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year will be hosted 18:30 hrs today at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), West Coast Demerara. 

A press release from the host said the resident Pakistani Muslim Scholar Maulana Qari Muhammad Mujahid Raza will deliver the feature presentation on the occasion.
The Guyana United Sad’r Islamic Anjuman and the ACIC now host the regular activity on the calendar of events for Muslims locally.
The lunar Islamic Calendar began its calculation after the migration of Prophet Muhammad to Medina and the first month in it is Muharram, during which the 10th day (called Ashura) is significant not only to Muslims, but humanity, the release said.
It added that the entire universe was created on this day, when the first drop of rain fell, the first human, Prophet Adam was created and Prophet Jesus ascended to the heavens.

Same day
The same day, too, Prophet Ayube (Jacob) regained his eyesight, Prophet Moses saved the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s Army by opening of the Red Sea and Prophet Muhammad’s grandsons, Imam Hussain and Hassan were martyred.
“The 10th day of Muharram (Ashura), therefore, is very auspicious to Muslims and is observed with fasting, prayers and special programmes at the various mosques. The Islamic New Year commenced on November 5,” the release stated.
It said the organisations are hosting a series of smaller events to observe the advent of the Islamic New Year/Ashura, which started from Wednesday, November 6, at 18:00 hrs at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex.
Thereafter, each night, until tonight, will be nightly programmes at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex.
On these occasions, special topics, dealing with  the life of the Prophet of Islam and his esteemed family members, will be discussed as well as the importance of showing love and gratitude for this greatest of all human beings.
Special videos will be shown on big screens, featuring prominent Sunni Muslim scholars and Maulana Mujahid, as well as other prominent Muslims, would be making presentations on each night.