As the Islamic New Year begins on 7 July, 2024, Muslims worldwide observe the occasion with reflection and familial gatherings.
7 July, 2024, marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, one of the religion's most significant celebrations. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, consisting of 12 months that each last 28 to 29 days, making an Islamic year 10 to 12 days shorter than a solar year in the Gregorian calendar.
The first year of the Islamic calendar began on 16 July, 622 AD, when Prophet Muhammad migrated (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. This July, the year 1446 begins in the Islamic calendar.
How is the Islamic new year celebrated?
In Muslim countries, the new year is traditionally heralded with the sounds of wind instruments. However, festivities involving parties and fireworks, akin to those seen on New Year's Eve in other cultures, are not organised for the Islamic New Year. In Islamic tradition, this day is observed more as a day of reflection and remembrance. Many families gather on this occasion to share a meal and engage in contemplation together.
