Welcoming a new Hijri year — a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed intentions
1 Muharram expected on ...
Based on Umm al-Qura calendar (1 Muharram)
The Day of Ashura is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day and encouraged others to do the same. When asked about fasting on Ashura, he ﷺ said: "I hope that Allah will expiate the sins of the year before it." To distinguish from other traditions, the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting the 9th along with the 10th.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah, Muharram." Increase your voluntary fasts this month.
Fasting the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year. It is Sunnah to also fast the 9th or 11th with it.
Reflect on the past year and make sincere dua for guidance, blessings, and a fruitful new year.
Increase remembrance of Allah — SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar.
Begin the new year with sincere repentance and a clean slate before Allah.
Start the year with generosity — give charity to purify your wealth and earn Allah's pleasure.
The Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyyah) marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, it is not associated with celebrations or festivities, but rather with quiet reflection, gratitude to Allah, and supplication for the coming year. The Hijri calendar began with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah, which was a turning point in Islamic history.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (At-Tawbah 9:36). The word 'Muharram' itself means 'forbidden' or 'sacred,' indicating the prohibition of fighting during this month. It is a month of great spiritual significance, and the Prophet ﷺ specifically encouraged fasting during Muharram, calling it 'the month of Allah' — a unique honor not given to any other month.
The Hijrah refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event was so pivotal that it became the starting point of the Islamic calendar. The Hijrah was not just a physical journey but a transformation — it established the first Islamic state, united diverse communities, and laid the foundation for the spread of Islam. Every new Hijri year reminds Muslims of this sacrifice, perseverance, and trust in Allah.