Islamic New Year (Muharram)
The beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year.
The Islamic New Year falls on 1 Muharram, the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years.
When Is Islamic New Year (Muharram)?
The Islamic New Year falls on 1 Muharram, the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
The Islamic New Year begins the Hijri calendar, which is counted from the year of the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, the founding event of the Islamic community (ummah). It is a time for reflection rather than festivity.
How It Is Observed
Prayer and reflection, fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), recalling the Hijra. Shia Muslims observe the month of Muharram with particular solemnity, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.