All You Need to Know About the Islamic New Year

The appearance of the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and the sacred month of Muharram. The first day of every month in the Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, is based on when the moon is sighted. On the first day of Muharram, many Muslims reflect on the previous year and explore ways to make a greater impact in the new year. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the Islamic New Year and how to earn rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT) this year. 

Muharram: First Month in the Islamic Year

The first month in the Islamic calendar is also one of the four sacred months for Muslims. To earn great rewards at the beginning of the New Islamic Year, consider focusing more on your acts of worship and charity. Muslims across the world contribute generously to help the poor and needy on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram (Ashura). Ashura, which means ten, holds special significance in Islam due to the religious and historical events that occurred on that day. 

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First Day of the Islamic Year and Muharram

Depending on when the new crescent of the moon is observed, the first day of both the New Islamic Year and Muharram is expected to be July 8, 2024. The Day of Ashura is expected to be observed on July 17, 2024. Many countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have a public holiday on 1st Muharram. The upcoming New Islamic Year is 1446 AH. 

Months in the Islamic Year

Like the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic lunar calendar is also divided into 12 months: 

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Sacred Months in the Islamic Calendar 

Out of the 12 months in the Islamic lunar calendar, four are considered sacred in Islam. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession; Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul-Hijja and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which stands between Jumad (ath-thani) and Sha’ban.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4662)

Difference Between the Islamic Calendar and Gregorian Calendar 

The Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri) is based on the movements of the moon. Each month in the Islamic year starts when a new moon is seen. On the other hand, the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. The Islamic lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by around 11 days. The Islamic year consists of 354 or 355 days and the Gregorian calendar typically has 365 days with the exception of leap years, which have 366 days.

Important Muslim festivals, events, and observances are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. These include Hajj, Eid-al-Adha, Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr, Qurbani, Ashura, Shab-e-Barat, 12th Rabi Al Awwal, Dhul Hijjah, and the Day of Arafat. 

History of the Islamic Lunar Calendar 

The Islamic Lunar Calendar was made under the leadership of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the 2nd Caliph. It starts from the year 622 CE (1 AH), when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions migrated from Mecca to Medina. The current Islamic Year is 1445 AH. 

To maximize your rewards and blessings during the New Islamic Year, you can increase our acts of worship and charity. Mark all the key Islamic days on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. 

Transparent Hands has made it easier to catch the rewards and blessings of many important days in the Islamic Year. Explore Transparent Hands’ various donation plans and subscribe to our newsletter to get reminders. 

Begin this Islamic New Year with the Muharram Donation Plan. It provides a convenient way to give Sadaqah/donations online to help underprivileged patients in Pakistan throughout the sacred month of Muharram.