Islamic New Year 2027: 1 Muharram

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.

What year is it in the Islamic Hijri calendar?

The Hijri calendar year is calculated from the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. As a result, the Hijri year (AH — Anno Hegirae) is approximately 621–622 less than the Gregorian year. The Hijri calendar also runs shorter — 354 days rather than 365 — so Hijri years pass faster than Gregorian ones. To convert: subtract 621 from the Gregorian year for an approximate Hijri year. The current Hijri century began in 1979 CE (1400 AH). The precise conversion varies by a year depending on the time of year, since both calendars are not perfectly synchronised.

How does the Islamic calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar?

The Islamic Hijri calendar is a purely lunar calendar — each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days. The year totals 354–355 days, approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. This means Islamic holidays fall approximately 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, there is no intercalation (leap month) to align the lunar year with the solar year — making the Hijri calendar one of the few purely lunar calendars still in active religious use worldwide.