1 Muharram
Islamic New Year (1 Muharram)
In the coming year it is expected on Sunday 6 June 2027 (1 Muharram 1449 AH). The Islamic New Year marks the first day of Muharram and the start of a new Hijri year.
Islamic New Year: dates for the coming years
| Hijri | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 Muharram 1447 AH | Thursday 26 June 2025 |
| 1 Muharram 1448 AH | Tuesday 16 June 2026 |
| 1 Muharram 1449 AH | Sunday 6 June 2027 |
| 1 Muharram 1450 AH | Thursday 25 May 2028 |
| 1 Muharram 1451 AH | Monday 14 May 2029 |
| 1 Muharram 1452 AH | Saturday 4 May 2030 |
| 1 Muharram 1453 AH | Wednesday 23 April 2031 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
Where the Hijri year comes from
The Hijri era begins with the emigration of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. The calendar was formally adopted around 17 years later under the caliph ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, after consulting the Companions; ‘Uthman and ‘Ali advised beginning the year with Muharram.
How Muslims mark it
There is no prescribed prayer or celebration for the New Year. Many Muslims use it to take stock of the past year, renew their intentions, and prepare to fast in Muharram, which the Prophet ﷺ described as the best month for voluntary fasting after Ramadan (Sahih Muslim).
Islamic New Year: questions
Is the Islamic New Year a holiday?
It is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia and Indonesia, but no special act of worship is attached to it.
Why does the date change every year?
The Hijri year is lunar and has 354 or 355 days, about 11 days fewer than the solar year, so 1 Muharram arrives about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year.