The Islamic New Year for 1448 AH is expected to fall on Wednesday, 18 June 2026. However, the exact date may shift by one day depending on the moon sighting and local Islamic authority announcements
What is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year, known in Arabic as Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyyah (رأس السنة الهجرية), marks the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. It is a moment of spiritual renewal, quiet reflection, and gratitude for Muslims across the world.
Unlike many other New Year celebrations around the world, the Islamic New Year is not marked by loud festivities or public gatherings. Instead, it is a time for Muslims to pause, reflect on the year that has passed, renew their intentions (niyyah) for the year ahead, and draw closer to Allah (SWT) through worship, prayer, and generosity.
The Islamic New Year carries a profound sense of history. The Hijri calendar itself was established during the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and is anchored to one of the most pivotal moments in Islamic history — the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This migration was not merely a physical journey; it was a transformative act of sacrifice, trust in Allah, and the birth of the first Muslim community.
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The Hijra — A Journey That Changed History
The Hijri calendar begins from the year of the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, chosen deliberately by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) as the starting point of Islamic history. The Hijra was a defining moment it symbolised a community's willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of their faith and for the establishment of justice on earth
Every Islamic New Year is a reminder of this sacrifice. It calls Muslims to ask themselves: what am I willing to sacrifice for Allah? What must I leave behind to move forward in faith?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) mentioned in the Quran, alongside Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. Allah (SWT) has given these months a special sanctity warfare was prohibited in them, and acts of worship and charity carry heightened reward.
“So do not wrong yourselves during them.” - (Quran 9:36)
A Month of Elevated Worship
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described Muharram as the best month for voluntary fasting after Ramadan, making the Islamic New Year a call to increased ibadah (worship), dhikr (remembrance), and Sadaqah (charity).
“The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah (Muharram).” - (Sahih Muslim 1163)
Islamic scholars encourage Muslims to use the new year as an opportunity for muhasabah honest self-reflection and spiritual accounting. Just as a business reviews its finances at year end, a Muslim is encouraged to review their deeds, repent sincerely, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.
Use the new year as an opportunity for muhasabah. Sit with yourself and honestly review the past year. Where did you fall short? What habits must you change? Sincerely repent and resolve to do better. Use the new year as an opportunity for muhasabah. Sit with yourself and honestly review the past year. Where did you fall short? What habits must you change? Sincerely repent and resolve to do better.
Your Impact in 1447 AH
24,640,000Lives Impacted
281,240Food Packs
280,846Meat Packs Distributed
25,809Water Projects
34,113Orphans Sponsored
24Aghosh Homes
57Hospitals
296Ambulances
80,000Volunteers
866,000,000Loan Portfolio (PKR)
1,569Alkhidmat Academic Scholarships
60Alkhidmat Schools
The History of the Hijri Calendar
The Hijri calendar was officially established in 638 CE (17 AH) during the reign of the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). Before this, the Arabs used a lunar calendar but without a fixed starting point. Different events were used to number the years the Year of the Elephant (the year of the Prophet's birth) being the most well-known.
Why Was the Hijra Chosen as Year One?
When a disagreement arose over the dating of official documents during Umar's (RA) caliphate, he consulted the senior companions of the Prophet ﷺ. Several starting points were proposed. the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, the year of his prophethood, or his passing. It was Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) who suggested the Hijra as the starting point, as it marked the establishment of the first Islamic community and state.
Umar (RA) accepted this and established the Hijri calendar a system of timekeeping that has guided the Muslim world for over 1,400 years.
The Lunar Calendar and Its Wisdom
The lunar calendar is not merely a timekeeping system it is a reminder of Allah's signs in the heavens. The Quran mentions the moon as a means of measuring time:
“They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.” - (Quran 2:189)
Unlike the solar calendar, the lunar calendar ensures that the blessed months of Ramadan, Muharram, and Dhul Hijjah rotate across all seasons giving every part of the world, in every climate, the chance to experience them in summer and winter alike.
When is the Islamic New Year 2026?
When does the Islamic New Year 2026 take place?
Why was the Hijra chosen as "Year One" instead of the Prophet's birth?
During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), several options were proposed, including the Prophet's birth or his passing. It was Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) who suggested the Hijra as the starting point, a suggestion Caliph Umar accepted because it marked a transformative moment of sacrifice and the birth of a unified faith community.
What is the significance of Muharram being a "sacred month"?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) mentioned in the Quran. In these months, warfare is prohibited, and the sanctity of acts of worship and charity is heightened, meaning they carry increased rewards.
What is the historical event that marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar?
The calendar is anchored to the Hijra, which was the migration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event was chosen as the starting point because it symbolized the establishment of the first Muslim community and state.
How do Muslims typically observe the Islamic New Year?
Unlike many other global celebrations, the Islamic New Year is not marked by loud festivities. Instead, it is a time for spiritual renewal, quiet reflection (muhasabah), and gratitude. Muslims are encouraged to renew their intentions (niyyah), increase worship, and give generously.
What spiritual acts are recommended for the start of the Hijri year?
Key recommended acts include:
- Sincere Du'a: Asking for forgiveness for the past year and guidance for the next.
- Voluntary Fasting: The Prophet ﷺ described Muharram as the best month for fasting after Ramadan.
- Sadaqah (Charity): Giving charity, especially for causes like clean water, to set a blessed tone for the year.
- Quran and Dhikr: Increasing the recitation of the Quran and remembrance of Allah.