Islamic New Year 2026: Muharram Significance & Important Facts

The Hijra Islamic New Year  2026 is the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar. It is a unique and significant period for all Muslims globally as it starts with Muharram, one of the most sacred months in the Islamic religion.

The Islamic calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar, is calculated using the moon meaning every year the Islamic date is different. The Islamic New Year is not observed through partying. Spreading faith and gratitude, rather than drowning in it, is the order of the day.

When Is the Islamic New Year 2026?

Islamic New Year 2026 is predicted to begin in the evening of Monday, 15 June 2026 subject to the new moon visibility. Muharram 1 st will fall on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

This is due to the fact that a new day in Islam starts at sunset. Thus, the new Hijra year begins after the Maghrib prayer in the evening.

What Is the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar?

The Islamic calendar also known as Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar which has 12 months and months i.e. anniversaries which is calculated depending on the phases of the moon. The difference between Islamic and solar (Gregorian) years has a difference of around 10-12 days.

The year starts with the historical story of Hijrah which was the immigration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. It became the beginning of the very first Islamic state and contributed to the salvation of Islam which was being heavily persecuted.

The first Hijri calendar was used during the period of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA).

Importance of Muharram in Islam

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year and one of the four holy months mentioned in the Qur’an. Performances of worship in this month earn a higher reward and the sin is taken to be more serious.

Even though Islamic New Year does not have any compulsory practices, Muslims are supposed to do more good, shun evil and to look back on their spiritual path.

Day of Ashura 2026

The day of Ashura is on the 10th of Muharram that is likely to be on 24 or 25 June 2026 based on the moon sighting.

It is strongly suggested that one should fast on this day. In one of the genuine Hadiths:

“Fasting on the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Many important events occurred on this day, including:

• Allah saving Prophet Musa (AS) from Pharaoh

• Prophet Yunus (AS) being released from the whale

• Imam Hussain (RA) attaining martyrdom in Karbala

Is the Islamic New Year a Public Holiday?

The Islamic New Year is declared as a national holiday in most of the Muslim-majority countries as well as in some countries it is seen as a working day. The custom is based on the announcements of local governments and the authorities of the moon sighting.

You can also read: UAE Public Holidays 2026

How Muslims Observe the Islamic New Year

There is no fixed celebration for the Hijri New Year. Instead, Muslims observe it through meaningful actions such as:

• Making dua for a better year ahead

• Reflecting on past actions

• Increasing charity (sadaqah)

• Reading the Qur’an

• Fasting, especially on Ashura

• Strengthening family and community ties

The Islamic New Year reminds believers to realign their lives with Islamic values.

Spiritual Reflection at the Start of a New Hijri Year

Starting of a fresh Islamic year is an effective reminder of change, patience and faith in Allah. The Hijrah enlightens the Muslims that success comes through sacrifice and persistence.

This season promotes self-responsibility, such as looking back and evaluating what is planned to do, rectifying what has been done, and making your spiritual plans for the coming year.

Why the Islamic New Year Matters Today

In today’s fast-paced world, the Islamic New Year offers a moment to slow down and reconnect with faith. It highlights values such as:

• Justice

• Patience

• Gratitude

• Brotherhood

• Moral responsibility

This event is a mixture of religious consciousness and everyday activity of Muslims in the UAE, a culturally diverse nation, where religion holds paramount importance.

Islamic New Year in the UAE

The Islamic New Year is a commonly recognized holiday in the UAE and the authorities declare it an official holiday. This is a time of prayer, family time and introspection to many residents.

Tourists who plan to visit a desert safari during religious festivals may feel confused about time because activities and tours can run on different schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Islamic New Year?
Hijri is starting with the Islamic New Year. It starts with the month of Muharram.

When is the Islamic New Year 2026?
It is supposed to begin on the night of 15 June 2026. Depending on the moon sighting, the 1 st of Muharram will be on 16 June 2026.

Is the Islamic New Year celebrated like Eid?
No, it is not celebrated like Eid. People observe it with prayer, thinking, and remembering Islamic history.

Is fasting on Ashura compulsory?
No, fasting on Ashura is not compulsory. It is recommended and brings great reward.

Why is Hijrah important in Islam?
Hijrah sacrifices in the name of religion. It is also the start of the Islamic society and Islamic calendar.

Final Thoughts

It is not an observation but a religious revival of the Islamic New Year 2026. It is something that reminds the Muslims about their meaning, their history, and their duties. The believers can start the new year in sanctity, patience and hope by remembering the teachings of Hijrah and the sanctity of Muharram.