Islamic New Year 1447 AH
1 Muharram — the first day of the Islamic Hijri calendar
Expected Date
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
1 Muharram 1448 AH • Subject to moon sighting
Islamic New Year 2026
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
1 Muharram 1448 AH
Subject to official moon sighting
Islamic New Year 2027
Sunday, June 6, 2027
1 Muharram 1449 AH
Subject to official moon sighting
What is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year (Ras al-Sanah al-Hijriyyah — رأس السنة الهجرية) marks the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The Hijri calendar begins from the year of the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra — هجرة) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — the defining moment that established the Muslim community (Ummah) as a political and religious entity.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is not marked by celebrations or festivities. It is a time for reflection, gratitude to Allah for the passing year, and renewed intentions for the year ahead.
Muharram — The Sacred Month
One of four sacred months
Muharram is one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) in which fighting was traditionally forbidden. Allah says: 'The number of months with Allah is twelve months... of these, four are sacred.' (At-Tawbah 9:36)
The Month of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ called Muharram 'Shahrul-lah' — the month of Allah. He said: 'The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram.' (Muslim). Voluntary fasting in Muharram is highly rewarded.
Day of Ashura (10 Muharram)
The 10th of Muharram is the Day of Ashura — a significant day when Allah saved Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged others to fast. Fasting on Ashura expiates sins of the previous year.
Recommended worship
Increase voluntary fasting (especially 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th Muharram), recite Dhikr and Quran, reflect on the Hijra and its lessons, make du'a for the new Hijri year, and renew spiritual intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Islamic New Year 2026?
The Islamic New Year 1447 AH (1 Muharram) falls on approximately Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The exact date is subject to moon sighting confirmation.
What is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year (Ras al-Sanah al-Hijriyyah) falls on 1 Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — the event from which the Islamic calendar is counted. It is a time for spiritual reflection rather than festive celebration.
How do Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year?
Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is not celebrated with festivities. Muslims observe it with reflection, du'a (supplication), Quran recitation, and gratitude. Some scholars recommend fasting on Ashura (10 Muharram). The focus is on spiritual renewal and setting new goals for worship and character.
What is special about Muharram?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam (along with Rajab, Dhu al-Qa'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah). The Prophet ﷺ called it 'the month of Allah' (Shahrul-lah). The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is a significant voluntary fasting day — fasting on it expiates sins of the previous year.