What Amun Jadid Marks
Amun Jadid is the Islamic New Year, observed on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In the Philippines the occasion is also widely known as Amon Jaded, and it is recognized as a public holiday in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the date shifts each year relative to the Gregorian calendar, and the official observance is often listed as tentative until the sighting of the new moon is confirmed.
Origins and Significance in the Philippines
Islam reached the southern Philippines in the 14th century, and the Islamic calendar has been observed in the region ever since. Amun Jadid is therefore not a recent import but part of a long-standing religious and cultural tradition among Filipino Muslim communities, particularly the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama, and Yakan peoples. The day carries both religious meaning as the start of a new Hijri year and cultural meaning as a time for reflection, reconciliation, and family gathering.
Religious Observances
- Many Muslims mark the day with prayer, Qur'an recitation, and reflection on the past year.
- Some observe voluntary fasting, a practice associated with Muharram in Islamic tradition.
- Mosques in Muslim-majority areas hold special prayers and gatherings.
- The occasion is generally quiet and contemplative rather than a large public festival.
Civic Observance and Public Holiday Status
- Amun Jadid is a regional public holiday in BARMM, with government offices and schools in the region closed.
- In past years the date has also been declared a nationwide special non-working holiday through presidential proclamation.
- Because the holiday depends on the lunar calendar, the exact date is announced in advance and may be described as tentative until confirmed.
Customs and Traditions
- Families gather for meals and visits, and many use the day to seek forgiveness and mend relationships.
- Traditional dishes are shared, often including rice-based and grilled specialties common to Muslim Filipino cuisine.
- In some communities, elders are visited and consulted, reflecting the value placed on respect for age and family ties.
Regional Variations
- Observance is most visible in BARMM provinces such as Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as in Muslim communities in Mindanao and Metro Manila.
- In non-Muslim-majority areas, the day is largely a quiet religious occasion rather than a public celebration.
- Specific local customs vary among ethnolinguistic groups, but the core observance of prayer, reflection, and family gathering is shared.
Practical Notes for Visitors
- Expect closures of government offices and some businesses in BARMM on the holiday.
- Dress and behave respectfully in Muslim communities, particularly around mosques.
- Confirm the exact date locally, as it depends on moon sighting and official proclamation.