The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Hijri calendar, falling on the 1st of Muharram. In 2026, the Islamic New Year will usher in the year 1448 AH, commemorating the historic migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina.
The Islamic New Year 1448 AH is expected to fall on approximately Friday, June 26, 2026, subject to the sighting of the new moon of Muharram. As with all Islamic dates, the exact date may vary by one or two days depending on your location and moon-sighting authority.
📅 Use our Hijri Date Converter to verify the exact date for your location.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam (along with Rajab, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah). Its name literally means "forbidden" or "sacred," and it holds special importance for several reasons:
The Islamic calendar begins with the year of the Hijra — the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event was chosen as the starting point of the Islamic calendar by the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), because it marked the establishment of the first Muslim community and state.
The Hijra was a turning point in Islamic history. In Medina, the Prophet (peace be upon him) established the first mosque (Masjid Quba), created the Constitution of Medina (one of the earliest written constitutions), built a cohesive Muslim community (Ummah), and established the practices of Islamic governance, law, and social welfare.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is not a time of celebration or festivity. Instead, it is a time for reflection and renewed spiritual commitment. Many Muslims use this occasion to reflect on the passage of time, set spiritual goals, increase fasting especially on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura), and renew their commitment to Islamic practices.
Learn more about all 12 Islamic months and their significance in our comprehensive guide.
🌙 As a new Islamic year begins, review your financial obligations. Use our Zakat Calculator to ensure your Zakat is up to date.
The Islamic New Year 1448 AH is expected around June 26, 2026, depending on moon sighting in your region.
In some Muslim-majority countries, 1 Muharram is a public holiday. However, it is not traditionally a day of celebration — it is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal.
There is no specific Sunnah to fast on 1 Muharram itself, but fasting throughout the month of Muharram is highly encouraged. The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) is especially recommended for fasting.
Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted on this day and encouraged others to fast as well. It commemorates the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh.
2026 spans the Islamic years 1447 AH and 1448 AH. The Islamic New Year 1448 AH begins around late June 2026.
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