Ruling on Congratulating others at the Beginning of the New Islamic Year [1434H]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Islamic year of 1434 Hijriyya has now begun, it is well known the traditions of the world in celebrating and congratulating upon the arrival of the new year [AD], however what is the Islamic ruling on congratulations for the new Hijry year?

Shaikh al-Fawzaan, “This is an innovation, congratulating for the new year, it is an innovation; or commanding of fasting or charity [for the purpose of the new year] all of this is innovation, Allah has not revealed evidence upon it”

[Al-Muntaqa min Akhbaar Sayyid al-Mursaleen – 39: via Sahab]

Shaikh ibn ul-Uthaymeen, “If someone congratulates you then reply [i.e. make dua that Allah makes it a good and blessed year], but do not do it yourself [i.e. do not begin it yourself by congratulating someone initially]….I do not know that the Salaf used to congratulate each other for the arrival of the new year of Hijra…”

[Silsilatul Liqaa as-Shahry 20/44; via Sahab]