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Al-Hijra (1 Muharram): New Year's Day

Find this year's date in the multifaith calendar

Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca ©

Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state.

The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why Muslim dates have the suffix A.H. (After Hijra).

It's a low-key event in the Muslim world, celebrated less than the two major festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

New Year rituals

There is no specific religious ritual required on this day, but Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for 'New Year Resolutions'.

The start of Islam as a community

The date marks the beginning of Islam as a community in which spiritual and earthly life were completely integrated. It was a community inspired by God, and totally obedient to God; a group of people bound together by faith

By breaking the link with his own tribe the Prophet demonstrated that tribal and family loyalties were insignificant compared to the bonds of Islam.

This Muslim community grew steadily over time, unifying the many tribes that had made up the Arab world beforehand.

Earthly and heavenly power

Islam now developed as a combined spiritual and earthly community, with political and military power working hand in hand with spiritual power and guidance.

At the same time the community developed the religious and ethical codes of behaviour that still provide the foundation of Muslim life.

Find out more

• Muhammad's life