Islamic New Year

Date shown for 2025 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized as of June 2025.

Islamic new year History

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Muharram, is celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and is significant for Muslims as it is the time when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. In the United Kingdom, the Islamic New Year is celebrated by Muslim communities throughout the country. It is a time for reflection and renewal, and a time for Muslims to renew their commitment to their faith and community.

The history of the Islamic New Year starts with the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is significant as it represents the establishment of the first Islamic state. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and consists of twelve months, with Muharram being the first month.

Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year by reciting special prayers and fasting. It is also a time for Muslims to reflect on their achievements over the past year and to set new goals for the coming year. In some communities, there may be special events and gatherings to mark the occasion, including lectures and discussions on Islamic topics. The Islamic New Year is observed on July 23rd this year.

Islamic New Year facts

• Muharram (1st first month of the Islamic calendar), is the holiest month after Ramadan. This month is most recommended by Muhammad to fast and worship in.
• The Islamic method of dating was invented by Umar ibn Al-Khattab, a close friend of Muhammad. He was the second Islamic Caliph (rulers) and in the year 638 he standardize the many calendars of the Arabian peninsula.
• The Islamic lunar calendar is 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, causing the New Year to occur approximately 11 days earlier each year.
• The Islamic New Year commemorates the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra, in 622 CE.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Islamic New Year

Top things to do in the UK for Islamic New Year's Day

• Muslim parents traditionally tell their children of Muhammad's escape from Mecca to Medina on this night.
• Attend a Islamic New Year Celebration. In Indonesia, the government holds various parades and marches to celebrate the Islamic new year. This includes chanting songs called kidung.
• Many Muslims in the UK attend prayers and other religious events at their local mosques during the Islamic New Year. Some popular mosques to visit include the London Central Mosque, East London Mosque, Birmingham Central Mosque, Manchester Central Mosque, and Leeds Grand Mosque.
• A meal at a Halal-friendly restaurant can be a great way to celebrate the Islamic New Year. Some popular options include Dishoom, Maroush, and Beirut Nights in London, as well as Al Feena, Marrakech, and Manjaros in Birmingham.