1st of Muharram: The Start of the Islamic New Year

The 1st of Muharram marks the start of the Hijri calendar, reflecting the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (saw) from Mecca to Medina. This date signifies both a chronological and spiritual renewal in Islam. 

The Islamic Calendar 

The Islamic calendar, also referred to as the Hijri calendar, begins with the month of Muharram. It is referred to as the Hijri calendar to reflect the year in which the Hijrah took place, where Prophet Muhammad (saw) migrated from Makkah to Medina. This Muharram marks the start of 1447 AH (AH stands for ‘After Hijrah’). 

The Islamic calendar follows the cycles of the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle. The Islamic calendar has 12 months, and each month is between 29 to 30 days. The Islamic year is 10 or 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. 

When does the Islamic New Year begin? 

 The Islamic New Year (1st of Muharram 1448 AH) in 2026 is expected to begin at sunset on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and end on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (subject to the sighting of the moon). 

In Islam, a new day begins at sunset rather than at midnight.

What is the Historical Significance of Muharram? 

For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a solemn period of mourning, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his family at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The first ten days, especially the Day of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) is a time to reflect on sacrifice and resistance against oppression. 

For Sunni Muslims, Muharram is a time of introspection and devotion. The Day of Ashura is recognized as the day when Prophet Musa (as) and the Israelites were free from the Pharaoh’s tyranny. Allah (swt) intervened by parting the Red Sea, allowing Prophet Musa (as) and the Israelites to escape, while Pharaoh and his troops were swallowed by the sea during their pursuit. 

Muharram is considered one of the four months during which warfare is forbidden, emphasizing peace and sanctity. Muharram translates to ‘forbidden’ in Arabic, indicating its sacred status. It is also one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. 

What is Hijrah Sharif? 

Hijrah Sharif refers to the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (saw) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a pivotal event in Islamic history. Although this migration did not occur in the month of Muharram, it marks the beginning  of the Islamic lunar calendar. The calendar was established during the year of the Hijrah, and Muharram was chosen as its first month. While the event of Hijrah isn’t tied directly to Muharram by date, the Islamic New Year is still a meaningful time to reflect on the significance of that journey and the foundation it laid for Islam. 

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: 

“I saw in a dream that I was emigrating from Makkah to a land in which there are date palms, and I thought that it was Al-Yamamah or Hajar, but it turned out to be Madinah, Yathrib.” 

(Bukhari) 

What Happened on the 1st of Muharram? 

The 1st of Muharram signifies the beginning of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This calendar was introduced during the leadership of the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, in 622 CE (1 AH – After Hijrah). The Hijrah marked a significant turning point in Islamic history, symbolizing the start of a new era. The move was prompted by the persecution of Muslims in Mecca and paved the way for the establishment of the first Muslim community and state in Medina, allowing Islam to grow and thrive. 

Key dates during Muharram 2026

The 1st of Muharram 1448 AH in 2026 is expected to begin at sunset Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 

The 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram will likely fall on June 24, 25 and 26 are recommended days for fasting (Shia Muslims tend to not fast on the Day of Ashura). The 10th, known as the Day of Ashura, commemorates both the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as), and his family and companions at the Battle of Karbala. The Day of Ashura also commemorates the miraculous escape of Prophet Musa (as) and the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny.  

Learn more about Muharram and the Day of Ashura and  Arbaeen, also referred to as Chehlum, which marks 40 days after the Day of Ashura when Imam Hussain (as) was martyred during the Battle of Karbala.