Islamic New Year

Islamic new year History

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Muharram, is celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and is significant for Muslims as it is the time when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. In the United Kingdom, the Islamic New Year is celebrated by Muslim communities throughout the country. It is a time for reflection and renewal, and a time for Muslims to renew their commitment to their faith and community.

The history of the Islamic New Year starts with the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is significant as it represents the establishment of the first Islamic state. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and consists of twelve months, with Muharram being the first month.

Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year by reciting special prayers and fasting. It is also a time for Muslims to reflect on their achievements over the past year and to set new goals for the coming year. In some communities, there may be special events and gatherings to mark the occasion, including lectures and discussions on Islamic topics. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance, like most Muslim observances, begins at sunset on the evening before.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Islamic New Year in the UK

• The Islamic New Year, which begins with the sighting of the new moon for the month of Muharram, is anticipated to commence on the evening of 15 June or 16 June 2026 across the United Kingdom.
• This observance commemorates the Hijrah, the pivotal migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE, an event that serves as the starting point for the Islamic lunar calendar.
• Unlike the secular Gregorian New Year, the occasion is typically a solemn period of reflection and spiritual renewal, often marked by the setting of personal "faith resolutions" and increased engagement in sadaqah, or voluntary charity.
• The upcoming year is particularly significant for major British humanitarian organisations, such as Muslim Aid, which is marking its 40th anniversary with a year-long programme of UK events and a specific Muharram appeal focused on the themes of Sacrifice, Strength, and Renewal.
• For many in the British Muslim community, the first ten days of the year involve heightened devotion leading up to Ashura, a day that commemorates both the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala and the liberation of the Prophet Musa from the Pharaoh.
• Cultural interest is expected to be high in the North West of England, where the Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, commonly known as MACFEST, will host its 2026 edition featuring over 85 events, including the Muslim Women's Arts Festival and the launch of the Muslim Diaspora Archives at the Whitworth Art Gallery.
• Literary enthusiasts are anticipating the 2026 release of Muslim Europe: A Journey in Search of a 1,400-Year History by Tharik Hussain, a work that explores the deep historical roots of Islam within the European continent.
• In the media, the Islam Channel is slated to broadcast its flagship documentary series The Final Legacy, which provides a detailed narrative of the early Islamic community and the struggles faced during the original Hijrah era.
• Educational recognition will also be a focal point in early 2026 as the National Muslim Teachers' Awards celebrates the contributions of educators across the country, highlighting the intersection of faith and public service.
• Because the Islamic calendar is roughly 11 days shorter than the solar year, the 2026 date falls during the British summer, influencing the timing of community events like the Eid on the Square celebration in London and various Hijrah themed charity bike rides.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Many Muslims in the UK attend prayers and other religious events at their local mosques during the Islamic New Year. Some popular mosques to visit include the London Central Mosque, East London Mosque, Birmingham Central Mosque, Manchester Central Mosque, and Leeds Grand Mosque.
• A meal at a Halal-friendly restaurant can be a great way to celebrate the Islamic New Year. Some popular options include Dishoom, Maroush, and Beirut Nights in London, as well as Al Feena, Marrakech, and Manjaros in Birmingham.