When is Islamic New Year in 2024?

The Islamic New Year 2024 is starting on the evening of 7th July (Sunday) and ending on the evening of 8th July (Monday).

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year marks the beginning of a new Hijri year. The first day of the year is observed on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar. This day commemorates the migration of Muhammad and his followers in 622 from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year, which has 12 months but only 354 days. Various countries and Islamic sects have different ways of determining the start of the New Year, so the date may vary with location.

The Islamic New Year is a holiday in Muslim countries, which is celebrated as a cultural holiday, not a religious one. People celebrate the holiday by offering prayers in the mosque. They spend the day with their friends and family members by exchanging wishes, islamic new year gifts, and relishing traditional meal. In some Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates, mesmerizing firework shows are organised at several places on the eve of Islamic New Year. The traditional dishes relished by people differs from one region to another. Like in North Africa, the traditional dish is a meal made from cornet leaves, which is locally called Mloukhiya, which is combined with delicious cakes for desserts. Similarly, in Indonesia, the curry lamb is relished by people as a traditional dish of Islamic New Year. The Islamic New Year celebrations is a period of self-reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.