Islamic New Year 1447: A Time for Reflection, Renewal, and Mercy

What is the Islamic New Year? (Understanding the Hijri Calendar)

The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Hijri calendar is based on the moon’s cycles, starting with the month of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam.

The new year begins with the sighting of the moon, a simple but powerful reminder of our connection to nature and divine order. For Muslims, this moment isn’t about fireworks or grand celebrations. It’s quieter. More spiritual. A moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

When is the Islamic New Year 2025?

The Islamic New Year 1447 is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, June 26, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon. Muharram marks the start of the Muslim New Year. It is a time when many Muslims reflect on the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah, a journey not just of geography, but of faith, sacrifice, and conviction.

Why the New Year Matters in Islam

In Islam, the new year isn’t about resolutions in the traditional sense. It’s more about niyyah (intention), taubah (repentance), and shukr (gratitude).

A Sacred Month: Muharram

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to Muharram as “the month of Allah,” indicating its importance. It’s a time to increase acts of worship, prayer, charity, and reflection.

One might say, it’s not so much about turning the page, it’s about turning the heart.

Quranic Verses about Time, Renewal, and Sacred Months

Here are a few verses that provide insight into how Allah mentions the months, time, and renewal:

  1. Surah At-Tawbah:
    إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشّهُورِ عِندَ اللهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهرًا

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [in a year] in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Qur’an 9:36)

  1. Surah Al-Asr:
    وَالْعَصْرِ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and encourage truth and patience.” (Qur’an 103:1–3)

  1. Surah Yunus:
    “It is He who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light, and measured out stages for her; that you might know the number of years and the count [of time].” (Qur’an 10:5)
  2. Surah Ibrahim:
    “And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them.” (Qur’an 14:34)
  3. Surah Al-Hadid:
    “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another…” (Qur’an 57:20)

Sahih Hadiths on Time, Intention, and Muharram

  1. Sahih Muslim:
    “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim 1163a)
  2. Sahih al-Bukhari:
    “Actions are judged by intentions (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 1)
  3. Sahih al-Bukhari:
    “Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 59, Hadith 3197)

Duas for the Islamic New Year (from Authentic Scholars)

  1. Imam al-Ghazali (Rahimahullah)
    “O Allah, bring this year upon us with security, faith, safety, Islam, Your pleasure, and protection from Shaytan.”
  2. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (Rahimahullah)
    “O Allah, make this a year filled with goodness, guidance, and barakah (blessings). Protect us from misguidance, hardships, and calamities.”
  3. Traditional New Year Supplication
    اللَّهُمَّ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالأمْنِ وَالإيمَانِ، وَالسَّلامَةِ وَالإسْلامِ، وَرِضْوَانٍ مِنَ الرَّحْمَٰنِ وَجَوَازٍ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ

“O Allah, bring it upon us with safety, faith, peace, and Islam, and Your pleasure, and protection from Shaytan.”

These duas, while not from the Prophet (ﷺ) himself, are authentically attributed to respected scholars and commonly recited by Muslims globally as the new Hijri year begins.

Dua for the Islamic new year

Human Concern UK's Mission and the Spirit of Renewal

At Human Concern UK, the Islamic New Year is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to serving those in need. As the year turns, so do opportunities to give, to uplift, to bring hope.

Whether you’re reflecting on the past year or planning new charitable goals, we invite you to begin 1447 AH by making a difference. Join us in:

  • Providing clean water to underserved communities

  • Supporting orphans and vulnerable children

  • Delivering emergency relief to conflict zones

Let this Islamic New Year be a doorway to compassion.

Ways to Commemorate the Islamic New Year

  • Recite Dhikr and Duas – Start the year with remembrance.

  • Fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram – The Day of Ashura holds great reward.

  • Give in Charity – Begin the year with generosity.

Reflect and Journal – Note what went well last year and where you want to improve.

Common Greetings

  • Happy Hijri New Year!
  • Happy Islamic New Year!
  • Happy Muslim New Year!
  • “May this Arabic New Year bring peace and mercy into your life.”

These greetings, when said with sincerity, can lift someone’s spirits and remind them of the beauty of a fresh start.

1. When is the Islamic New Year 2025?

The new year is expected to start on Sunday, June 26, 2025, depending on moon sighting.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months. It’s a time for increased worship, reflection, and fasting, especially on Ashura (10th Muharram).

Not quite. It’s more spiritual than festive, marked by prayer, reflection, and charity, rather than fireworks or parties.

Start 1447 AH with a purpose.

At Human Concern UK, we believe the best way to begin the happy Islamic New Year is with compassion in action. Whether through a prayer whispered in the quiet of dawn or a donation that transforms someone’s life, every act of sincerity counts. Make your mark. Help those in need. Begin again, with intention.