Muslims around the world will celebrate The Islamic New Year, also known as Arabic New Year or Hijri New Year, on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. This year, the Islamic New Year starts on the sunset of 11 September 2018. In most Islamic countries or countries where Muslims are the majority, The Islamic New Year is a public holiday.

The first Islamic year begins in 622 AD with the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. In June 622, after being warned of a plot to assassinate him, Prophet Muhammad secretly left his home in Mecca to emigrate to Yathrib, 320 km (200 mi) north of Mecca, along with his companion Abu Bakr. Yathrib was soon renamed Madīnat an-Nabī, literally “City of the Prophet”, but an-Nabī was soon dropped, so its name is “Medina”, meaning “the city”.

The Islamic New Year is celebrated by attending prayer session in the mosques, reading Quran, and spending time with families. Muslims will also reflect on the past year, remember and be thankful of all the blessings that they have received from God.

If you do not celebrate the Islamic New Year, you could still share the spirit by wishing your Muslims friends or colleagues a blessed year to come. And also by remembering all the blessings or good things you received until today, and be thankful for them.

How about you? Tell us your favorite Islamic New Year activity, or share your most memorable Islamic New Year celebration!