Local Islamic groups are hosting their 13th Annual Cultural Programme tomorrow to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1431.

According to a press release world-renowned Muslim scholar Mufti Ashraul Hack is expected to be the guest speaker at the event which is now a premier activity on the calendar of events for Muslims in Guyana.

It is hosted jointly by the Muslim Youth League of Guyana, the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman and the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex.

Hack who is based in Trinidad and Tobago, was born in India and educated at the famous Al Azhar University in Egypt. He is currently attached to the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association (ASJA) in T&T as the principal of the Hajji Ruknudeen Institute of Higher Islamic Education. He will be accompanied by Saeed Mohamed, a student at the Institute. Hack’s visit to Guyana has been facilitated by the President General of ASJA Al Haj Yacoob Ally.

According to the release the lunar Islamic calendar started its calculation after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad to Medina. The first month of the calendar is Muharram in which the 10th day, Ashura is observed with fasting, prayers and special programmes at various mosques.

The Islamic New Year started on December 18.