Islamic New Year: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Islamic New Year (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Islamic New Year is observed on July 18th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Islamic New Year, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you need know about Islamic New Year.

📅 What day is Islamic New Year 2024?

In 2024, Islamic New Year is on Tuesday, July 18th. It is the 3rd Tuesday in July; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about July 18, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Islamic New Year, also referred to as the Arabic New Year or the Hijri New Year, is observed on the initial day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. This calendar’s first year commenced in 622 CE according to the Gregorian calendar, when the Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina.

📜 Islamic New Year History

For Muslims worldwide, it is important to recognize and observe the entire month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic lunar year. It holds great religious significance, not just the first day. One significant day, Ashura, falls on the 10th day of Muharram and is marked by remembering important events such as Noah leaving the ark and Moses crossing the Red Sea. Muharram is considered the second most important holiday after Ramadan.

For Shia Muslims, Muharram also commemorates the passing of Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad. They hold memorial services and participate in parades called “matam,” where males gather in the streets to engage in traditional chest-beating. This is particularly observed in countries like Afghanistan, Bahrain, India, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Sunnis also observe Muharram as a time of deep prayer and reflection as they welcome the new year.

The Islamic New Year falls on different dates each year because the lunar calendar is shorter than the Western solar calendar. This is done intentionally so that Muslims can encounter the same seasonal and weather conditions as the historical figures in their sacred texts.

If you are interested in learning more about this significant religious and cultural occasion, asking your Muslim acquaintances about their experiences and thoughts on Muharram can be a fascinating way to gain insight. Muslims may also choose to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions with others as a way to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

✅ Islamic New Year Facts

🔖 A lesson to walk through
Once, a peasant approached Prophet Muhammad and requested one of his camels to serve as a strong means of transportation. The prophet, in response, offered him a camel calf instead. The man was dissatisfied and questioned the usefulness of a young camel. Prophet Muhammad then explained that every camel begins as a calf, just as every Muslim starts as a young believer and grows in worth as they mature.

🔖 Age is just a number
An older woman asked Prophet Muhammad to bless her so that she could enter paradise. However, he responded by saying that no elderly woman would be able to enter heaven. Confused, she asked him to explain further. He advised her to read the Quran, as it states that before entering paradise, everyone deserving of it will be rejuvenated and made youthful again.

🔖 A holy embrace
One day, Prophet Muhammad was at a market and noticed his friend Zaher bin Haram selling different goods. Upon recognizing Muhammad, bin Haram expressed his desire to have the blessings of Muhammad’s touch. Muhammad jokingly asked his followers if anyone would buy bin Haram, to which bin Haram replied that he wouldn’t be worth much. In a serious tone, Muhammad replied that in the eyes of Allah, bin Haram was invaluable.

👍 Why Is Islamic New Year Important

This implies that around a quarter of all people are likely to be celebrating the Muslim New Year in some fashion today, so knowing your peers and remembering a few facts may go a long way.

Because they believed in one God (Allah) rather than a pantheon of various gods, Muhammad and his followers suffered harsh criticism and prejudice, even abuse, in Mecca. But, like the devout in the Christian Bible, they persisted. In other words, the yearning for freedom is universal, as is the readiness to fight or escape for it.

Nobody can go wrong by speaking reverently or feeling solemn on this day. Those who notice should praise this behavior since respect and compassion are never bad habits to develop.

🙂 How To Observe Islamic New Year

⚡ For everybody: remember that all people are the same
Regardless of your academic interest, the Islamic New Year can be used as a foundation for exploring the contrasting aspects of different civilizations, which ultimately reveal their shared characteristics. Whether it involves observing fasting, paying tribute to one’s prophet, observing a weekly day of rest, or even being agnostic or atheist among religious peers, individuals with similar beliefs and practices can be found in every nation and religion.

⚡ For Shias: mourn the passing of Hussein, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson
The killing of the leader was a deeply disturbing event in Muslim history, happening during a month when violence is particularly discouraged. You can show your support by participating in the mosque community or taking a moment to mourn the injustice.

⚡ For Sunnis: contemplate peace and new beginnings
Once again, the mosque serves as an incredible setting for connecting with fellow believers. However, whether you find yourself alone or with immediate family, it is a valuable opportunity for introspection, contemplating the significance of it all, and strategizing for the upcoming year.

📅 When is Islamic New Year?

You can view all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Islamic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Islamic New Year. So be sure to check back soon.