About Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
The Islamic New Year, known as Al-Hijra or the Hijri New Year, falls on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the start of a new Hijri year and commemorates the Hijra — the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, the event from which the Islamic calendar counts its years. Unlike many new-year celebrations, it is generally a quiet, reflective occasion rather than a festive one.
Many Muslims mark the day with prayer, reflection on the year past and resolutions for the year ahead, and by recalling the significance of the Hijra and the early Muslim community. It is a public holiday in numerous countries. Because the month of Muharram leads into Ashura on its tenth day, the new year opens a period of particular spiritual importance across the Muslim world.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the Hijri New Year moves about eleven days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar, and the exact date can shift by a day with the sighting of the moon. The counter above tracks the next expected date. Add the Islamic New Year countdown to your own page to mark the start of the Hijri year.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Sunday, June 6, 2027next |
| 2028 | Thursday, May 25, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, May 14, 2029 |
FAQ
When is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year falls on the 1st of Muharram in the Hijri lunar calendar. As the date depends on the moon, the countdown above shows the next expected date in your timezone.
What does the Islamic New Year commemorate?
It marks the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, from which the Islamic calendar counts its years.
How is the Islamic New Year celebrated?
It is generally a quiet, reflective day marked by prayer, remembrance of the Hijra and reflection on the year ahead, rather than large festivities.
Why does the Islamic New Year change date each year?
The Hijri calendar is lunar and about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, so the date moves earlier each year and may vary by a day with the moon sighting.