When Is Islamic New Year 2024?

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Dates for the First of Muharram

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The crescent Moon marks the Islamic New Year—the First of Muharram! When does it begin this year? Learn when the Islamic New Year will be celebrated.

What Is the First of Muharram?

The First of Muharram, or the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year.

For many Muslims, it begins at the first sighting of the lunar crescent after the new Moon in the month of Muharram. The crescent Moon may be visible a day or so after the new Moon, but weather and other factors may delay the sighting. 

Other Muslims use different criteria to determine the start of the calendar, such as the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), which calculates the date according to the following: The Moon must be born (become new) before sunset in Makkah, and the Moon must set after sunset. The following dates are calculated according to expected visibility. 

When Does the Islamic New Year Begin?

Below are the sundown dates for the Islamic New Year (First of Muharram).

Islamic New Year Dates
YearFirst Day of the Islamic New Year (according to expected visibility)
2024Sunday, July 7, at sundown
2025Thursday, June 26, at sundown
2026Tuesday, June 16, at sundown
2027Saturday, June 5, at sundown

NOTE: Our products are published for the United States and Canada; our reference source for the above dates is the United States Naval Observatory. Other countries, as well as certain denominations and groups within North America, may not use the same method to determine the date of the Islamic New Year.

If you observe the Islamic New Year, please share your traditions below!

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann