The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is a significant time for Muslims worldwide. This annual observance, based on the lunar Hijri calendar, offers a period of profound spiritual reflection and the setting of religious resolutions.


Celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the Hijri New Year follows the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It marks a fresh start for the Muslim community, encouraging a focus on piety and good deeds.

This year, the Hijri New Year is expected to begin on or around June 26, 2025, ushering in the year 1447 A.H. (Anno Hegirae). The exact start date hinges on the sighting of the crescent moon by regional Islamic authorities.

The lunar nature of the Hijri calendar means that Islamic months and holidays, like Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, shift annually. The new year officially begins with the first sighting of the crescent moon during Muharram, the initial month of the twelve in the Hijri calendar.

The Hijri calendar's inception dates back to 622 C.E. This year marks the pivotal Hijrah, or migration, of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Medina. This journey, undertaken to escape persecution, was crucial for the religious, social, and political consolidation of the nascent Muslim community.

Unlike many secular new year celebrations, the Islamic New Year is generally more solemn and introspective. Muharram is one of four sacred months where warfare is forbidden, promoting increased prayer, charity, and self-reflection throughout the month.

Observances can vary based on different schools of thought. Shiite Muslims particularly observe the first 10 days of Muharram as a period of deep mourning. This commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, on the 10th of Muharram in 680 C.E.

On Ashoura, the 10th day, Shiite mourners often engage in public displays of grief, including chest-beating and self-flagellation. In contrast, Sunni Muslims commemorate Ashoura through voluntary fasting, honoring Moses' parting of the Red Sea.

Current global events, such as the wars in Iran and Gaza, may influence the nature of these observations. This marks the second Hijri New Year since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, impacting communal gatherings and reflections in affected regions.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2605547/world