The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Awal Muharram, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. This day holds significant spiritual and historical importance for Muslims, serving as a time for reflection, renewal of faith and commemoration of Islamic history.

Table of Contents

1. When is Islamic New Year?
2. The History of Islamic New Year
3. Months in the Islamic Calendar?

When is Islamic New Year?

The Islamic New Year is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The following is the list of the Islamic New Year from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Islamic New Year

The Islamic calendar was officially introduced during the rule of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (634–644 CE), the second Caliph of Islam.

The need for a formal calendar arose because Muslims had to organize administrative matters, tax collection, and historical record-keeping, but they lacked a unified dating system. After consultation, Umar chose the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

Hijrah (migration) was a turning point in Islamic history, as it marked the establishment of the first Muslim community (ummah) in Medina. This migration symbolized faith, sacrifice, unity and the struggle for justice, values central to Islam. Thus, Year 1 AH (Anno Hegirae) began with the Hijrah (migration) .

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar with 12 months and 354 or 355 days. The first month is Muharram, and the first day of Muharram marks the Islamic New Year. Because it is lunar, the New Year shifts 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Months in the Islamic Calendar?

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months based on the cycles of the moon. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon.

1. Muharram: One of the four sacred months in Islam, where fighting is prohibited. Ashura is on the 10th of Muharram.
2. Safar: Historically, some believed this month to bring misfortune, though this is not supported in Islam.
3. Rabi' al-Awwal: Significant for the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), observed as Mawlid al-Nabi on 12th.
4. Rabi' al-Thani or Rabi' al-Akhir: Often used for reflection and continuing spiritual growth.
5. Jumada al-Awwal: A time for normal daily worship and acts of kindness.
6. Jumada al-Thani or Jumada al-Akhir: Continues the cycle of spiritual and communal life.
7. Rajab: Another sacred month, during which warfare is prohibited. Significant for the Isra and Mi'raj.
8. Sha'ban: Preparatory month for Ramadan, often observed with increased fasting and worship.
9. Ramadan: The holiest in Islam. Month of fasting, prayer and increased devotion. Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) is in this month.
10. Shawwal: Beginning with Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.
11. Dhu al-Qi'dah: One of the sacred months. A time of peace and preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage.
12. Dhu al-Hijjah: The twelfth month, which includes the Hajj pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) on the 10th day.