Islamic New Year

Islamic new year History

The Islamic New Year (Arabic: رأس السنة الهجرية), also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months, and the new year begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, signifying a new cycle and the potential for spiritual growth. While its primary purpose is religious, the event also serves as an opportunity to connect with family, friends, and the wider community, reflecting on the achievements and challenges of the past year and setting goals for the year ahead.

The Islamic New Year dates back to the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This significant event marks the turning point in the spread of Islam and serves as the starting point for the Islamic calendar. For Americans, the Islamic New Year presents a chance to learn about and appreciate the rich history and cultural traditions of the expansive Muslim community that resides within the United States. Understanding this event allows individuals outside the Muslim faith to foster greater empathy and support for the beliefs and customs of their fellow citizens.

In America, the Islamic New Year is observed with prayers, religious lectures, and gatherings in mosques and community centers. The event is often an occasion for Muslims to come together, deepen their faith, and participate in community service. The Islamic New Year varies from year to year in the Western (Gregorian) calendar, due to the differences between the lunar-based Islamic calendar and the solar-based Gregorian calendar. Muslims in America will observe the Islamic New Year in accordance with the sighting of the new moon, as is done throughout the worldwide Muslim community. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance, like most Muslim observances, begins at sunset on the evening before.

Top 10 Facts for Islamic New Year in 2026

• The upcoming Islamic New Year marks the transition into the year 1448 AH, which follows the Hijri lunar calendar and counts the years since the historical migration of the Prophet Muhammad.
• The month of Muharram derives its name from the Arabic word for "forbidden," signifying its status as one of the four sacred months in which conflict and warfare are traditionally prohibited.
• Unlike the Gregorian calendar, a new day in the Islamic New Year technically begins at sunset rather than midnight and is officially inaugurated by the first sighting of the thin lunar crescent.
• Many observers commemorate the The Hijrah by reflecting on the spiritual journey of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina, a narrative recently explored in the documentary film In the Footsteps of the Prophet.
• A central event within the first month is the Day of Ashura, which is associated with diverse historical milestones such as the parting of the Red Sea by Musa and the preservation of Nuh after the great flood.
• For Shia Muslims, the start of the year is a period of solemn mourning for the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala, an event depicted in the documentary The Noon of the 10th Day.
• Regional culinary traditions include the preparation of kibbeh labaniyeh, a yogurt-based "white dish" served in the Levant to symbolize hope and purity for the coming months.
• Historical records attribute the formalization of the lunar dating system to the second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, who established Ra’s as-Sanah al-Hijriyah as a way to unify the administration of the growing Islamic state.
• Because the lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year, the Islamic New Year cycles through every season over a period of roughly 33 years.
• In various cultures, the arrival of the new year is toasted with doodh ka sharbat, a sweetened milk drink flavored with almonds and rose petals to represent a "sweet" start to the lunar cycle.

In the News and Trending in the US for Islamic New Year

Top things to do in the US for Islamic New Year's Day

• Muslim parents traditionally tell their children of Muhammad's escape from Mecca to Medina on this night.
• Attend a Islamic New Year Celebration. In Indonesia, the government holds various parades and marches to celebrate the Islamic new year. This includes chanting songs called kidung.
• Read more about Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina by reading his biography, The Sealed Nectar.
• Places like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston have significant collections of Islamic art. Visiting these places can be a way of celebrating Islamic heritage on New Year.