1st of Muharram (Islamic New Year)

1st of Muharram (Islamic New Year) (Mu-har-ram)

The first day of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is one of four sacred months of the Islamic faith. The Islamic calendar is lunar based and is 354 days long, 11 days longer than the standardized Gregorian civil calendar used in most countries, and counts dates from the hijra, when Mohammed moved his followers from Mecca to Medina, setting up the first Muslim state, in 622. It is used to calculate the dates of religious feasts and holy observances. It unified community and religion into one group and spread Islam throughout the Middle East.

Common Practices

While no specific ritual is required, many Muslims will make New Year's resolutions on this day and remember the meaning of the hijra and what happened on this day. As this is a sacred month, war and violence are forbidden.

Community Considerations

Avoid scheduling important events or activities. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate on this day and likely will not attend sports or any other violent activity.

1st of Muharram (Islamic New Year)