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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).

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!