When is Islamic New Year in 2026?

In 2026, Islamic New Year (1st Muharram 1448 Hijri) will be on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Is Islamic New Year a public holiday?

No, Islamic New Year is not a public holiday in many countries, including Pakistan. While it marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and holds religious and historical significance for Muslims, governments in some countries do not officially declare it as a day off. However, people may still observe it with reflection, prayers, and remembrance, especially within the community and at mosques.

Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins with the month of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s cycle, making it 10–12 days shorter than the solar year. Muslims around the world recognize this day as a moment of spiritual reflection, remembering the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, known as the Hijrah. The Islamic New Year is not celebrated with festivities, but rather with prayers, remembrance, and gratitude.

The Islamic Hijri Calendar

The Islamic Hijri Calendar was established by Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab during his rule, and it begins from the year of the Hijrah—the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a lunar calendar with 12 months, including Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, and so on. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. The calendar is used to determine the dates of important Islamic events such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Hajj. It plays a key role in guiding religious obligations and observances for Muslims worldwide.

Virtues of the Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year is a time for reflection, renewal, and drawing closer to Allah. It reminds Muslims of the sacrifices made by the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions for the sake of Islam. The first month, Muharram, is known as the month of Allah, and performing good deeds during this time brings great reward. It is also a chance to leave behind sins, seek forgiveness, and set new goals for self-improvement. Although there is no celebration, Muslims use this time to make duas (prayers) and ask for blessings in the coming year.

What happened on 1st Muharram

On the 1st of Muharram, the Islamic New Year begins. It marks the start of the Hijri calendar and is tied to the historical migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Madinah. This migration was a turning point in Islamic history as it led to the establishment of the first Islamic state. The date was chosen during the time of Caliph Umar to begin the Islamic calendar. While no specific event took place exactly on this date, it symbolizes a new beginning, unity, and the strength of faith.

What to do on 1st Muharram

Although there are no fixed rituals for the 1st of Muharram, Muslims can use this day to increase worship and gratitude. Acts such as making sincere duas, fasting, reciting the Qur’an, and seeking forgiveness are encouraged. It is a good time to reflect on the past year, make resolutions for the future, and strengthen one’s connection with Allah. Some people also read about the Hijrah and the lives of the Prophet and his companions to find inspiration.

History of the Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year is linked to one of the most important events in Islamic history—the Hijrah. This was the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE due to persecution. This move allowed Muslims to practice their religion freely and laid the foundation for the first Islamic state. The Hijrah was chosen as the starting point of the Islamic calendar to remind Muslims of the courage, sacrifice, and unity that shaped the Muslim community. The calendar was officially started under the leadership of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab.