Islamic New Year 2026: 1 Muharram
Festival guide · 2026
The Islamic New Year (رأس السنة الهجرية) begins on 1 Muharram — the first day of the first month of the Hijri calendar. The Hijri calendar is a purely lunar calendar of 354 or 355 days, meaning the new year falls approximately 11 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year.
The Islamic calendar (AH — Anno Hegirae) dates from the Hijra: the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It is used for determining Islamic holidays, fasting months, and religious observances worldwide.
2026 Dates
| Date | Thursday, June 18, 2026 |
Dates are calculated automatically and may vary by ±1 day. Always confirm with your local religious authority.
Traditions & Observance
The Hijri Calendar
The Hijri calendar has 12 lunar months of 29 or 30 days each, totalling 354–355 days per year — about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This means Islamic holidays cycle through all seasons over approximately 33 years. The current Hijri century began in 1979 CE (1400 AH).
The Sacred Month of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam in which fighting was traditionally forbidden. It is a time for increased worship, fasting, and reflection. The most significant day within Muharram is Ashura (10 Muharram), which carries special significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
How Muslims Observe the New Year
Unlike many New Year celebrations, the Islamic New Year is observed quietly and spiritually rather than with festivity. Muslims reflect on the Hijra and its lessons — sacrifice, perseverance, and trust in God. Many attend mosque for Muharram lectures and begin the year with Quran recitation and prayer.
Ashura — 10 Muharram
The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is especially significant. For Sunni Muslims, fasting on this day is highly recommended — the Prophet ﷺ said it expiates the sins of the previous year. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a major day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala in 680 CE.
Other Years
Islamic New Year is determined by moon sighting. The date may vary by one day between countries. Confirm with your local mosque or national Islamic authority.