Do Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year?

What the Islamic New Year is

The Islamic calendar counts from the Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Years are written "AH" (after Hijrah). The calendar was set up years later, under the caliph Umar, and Muharram was chosen as the first month. It's a lunar calendar, so the new year moves about 11 days earlier each year.

Is it a holiday?

In many Muslim countries it's a public day off, but religiously it isn't one of the Eids. When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, people there had two days of games. He said Allah had replaced them with something better: the day of sacrifice and the day of breaking the fast (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134). See How many holidays do Muslims have?

So you won't find fireworks, countdowns or New Year's resolutions as religious practice. That's different from the Western New Year's Eve. See Can I still celebrate New Year's Eve as a Muslim?

Can I say "Happy New Year"?

Scholars differ. Many say a simple greeting or a dua such as "May Allah make this a blessed year for you" is fine, since it's just a kind wish. Others prefer to avoid making it a fixed custom because the early Muslims didn't do so. Either way, nobody should be harsh about it. A dua is a safe middle path.

A meaningful way to start the year

Muharram itself is special. It's one of the four sacred months Allah mentions in the Quran.

The Prophet ﷺ called it "God's month" and said the best fasting after Ramadan is in Muharram (Sahih Muslim 1163). Its 10th day is Ashura. See What is Ashura and should I fast on it?

• Reflect: look back at your past year, especially if it was your first as a Muslim.
• Set intentions: one small goal, like learning a new surah or praying on time.
• Fast: a few voluntary fasts in Muharram, including Ashura.
• Learn about the Hijrah: the story of the migration is full of trust in Allah.