What is Islamic New Year?

The Islamic New Year marks the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. The Hijri calendar begins from the year of the Hijra — the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — which is counted as year 1 AH (Anno Hegirae). Because the Hijri calendar is purely lunar (354 days), the Islamic New Year moves approximately 11 days earlier each Gregorian year.

Unlike many other new year celebrations, the Islamic New Year is generally observed as a solemn day of reflection and gratitude rather than a festive occasion. Muharram is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is traditionally prohibited. The tenth day of Muharram, Ashura, carries particular significance — for Shia Muslims it commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

The Islamic New Year is a public holiday in several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others. The celebration is relatively low-key compared to Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and typically involves mosque attendance, prayers, and quiet family time.