Holiday on June 16: Muslims celebrate the New Year
On the evening of June 16, 2026, Muslims in many countries around the world will mark the beginning of the new year 1448 according to the Hijri calendar. This is one of Islam’s most important holidays, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in the 7th century. This day is dedicated to prayer, spiritual reflection, and reviewing the past year.
On the evening of June 16, 2026, Muslims around the world will celebrate the New Year according to the Islamic calendar. It is also known as the Hijri New Year, the Arab New Year, or simply the Muslim New Year.
The holiday falls on the first day of the month of Muharram—one of the four sacred months of Islam. Unlike the usual New Year’s celebrations with loud festivities, fireworks, and feasts, for Muslims this date has primarily spiritual significance. This day is associated with an important historical event that took place over 1,400 years ago and became one of the key moments in the history of Islam.
Why is the New Year called the Hijri Year?
The Muslim calendar begins with the Hijra—the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to the city of Yathrib, which is known today as Medina. This event took place in 622. At that time, the Muslim community was facing persecution in Mecca, so the Prophet Muhammad and his followers were forced to leave the city.
The migration was not merely a change of residence. For Muslims, the Hijra symbolizes the beginning of a new era, the triumph of faith, the unity of the community, and the pursuit of freedom. That is why the Islamic calendar begins not with the Prophet’s birthday, but with this historic event. The word “Hijra” translates to “migration” or “exodus.”
How the Islamic calendar works
The Islamic calendar differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most countries around the world. It is a lunar calendar and consists of 12 months. However, the year is about 10–11 days shorter, so the dates of Muslim holidays shift each year.
The first month of the calendar is Muharram. This is when the New Year begins. In 2026, Muslims will celebrate the year 1448 of the Hijri calendar. Muharram is considered one of the most revered months, and in Islamic tradition, it holds special spiritual significance.
How Muslims Celebrate the New Year
Unlike many other New Year’s celebrations, the Muslim New Year is observed quietly and without loud festivities. On this day, believers visit mosques, pray, read the Quran, and thank Allah for the past year. Many people use this time to reflect on their actions, set new goals, and ask for blessings for the future.
In some countries, religious lectures, charity events, and family gatherings are held. Special attention is given to good deeds, helping those in need, and supporting loved ones. As Muslim theologians say: “The New Year is, above all, an opportunity to become a better person.”
Do they hold festive feasts?
Different countries have their own traditions. For example, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, and some Arab countries, people may gather around the family table. However, the main focus is not on entertainment but on the spiritual meaning of the holiday.
In many families, people prepare traditional dishes, visit relatives, and spend time with loved ones. In some regions, it is customary to read stories about the life of the Prophet Muhammad and reflect on the events of the Hijra. During this period, people also often engage in charity work and help those facing difficult life circumstances.
Interesting Facts About the Muslim New Year
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world by number of followers, after Christianity. Today, there are over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. The Islamic New Year does not have a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar. It falls about 10 days earlier each year. The month of Muharram is one of the four sacred months of Islam, during which prayers and good deeds are especially valued.
In many Muslim countries, the first day of the New Year is an official holiday. The Hijri calendar itself was officially introduced by the second righteous caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, approximately 17 years after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina.
How the Muslim New Year differs from the usual New Year
For most people, New Year’s is associated with loud parties, festive concerts, and fireworks. In the Muslim tradition, things are different. It is a time of peace, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Believers reflect on important events in the history of Islam, reevaluate their own lives, and strive to enter the new year with pure intentions.
Many Muslims believe that these are the days to devote more time to family, helping others, and strengthening their faith. “Every New Year is an opportunity to turn a new page,” Muslims say. That is why, for millions of people around the world, the Muslim New Year is not so much a time of celebration as it is a time of spiritual renewal, gratitude, and hope for a better future.
