Muslims around the world celebrate the Islamic New Year on 1 Muharram 1448 AH, which falls on June 16, 2026 CE. More than just a change of the year, the Hijri calendar is a divine calendar that serves as a reference for Islamic laws—such as the Hajj, fasting, the zakat cycle, the ‘idah thalaq, and so on.
The Hijri calendar also serves as a reminder of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Hijrah, which marked the beginning of the rise of Islamic civilization. The Hijrah is a clear dividing line between what is right (truth) and what is falsehood. This event signaled a turning point for Muslims, shifting from a period of oppression in Mecca to the establishment of a strong Islamic civilization and sovereign society in Medina.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Caliph Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, the Arab people were already using the names of the months we know today (Muharram, Sha’ban, Ramadan, etc.). However, they did not yet have a numerical system for years. They typically marked years by major events that occurred, such as the Year of the Elephant (the year of the Prophet’s birth).
During the deliberations to formulate the official Islamic calendar, Ali bin Abi Talib proposed the Hijrah as the starting point—a suggestion based on deeply philosophical grounds—which was strongly endorsed by Caliph Umar. During those deliberations, several proposals were put forward regarding when the starting point (Year 1) of the Islamic calendar should begin:
- Proposal 1: Begin with the year of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birth
- Proposal 2: To begin with the year of the first revelation (his appointment as a Messenger)
- Proposal 3: To begin with the year of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) passing
- Proposal 4: To begin with the year of the Prophet’s Hijrah from Mecca to Medina
It all began with undated letters received by Abu Musa Al-Asy-‘Ari (may Allah be pleased with him)—who was the governor of Basra at the time—from Caliph Umar bin Khattab. Abu Musa complained about these letters to the Caliph in a letter:
“Letters come to us from you that have no date.”
“Letters have reached us from you, without a date.”
In another account, it is mentioned:
“Letters have reached us from the Commander of the Faithful, but we do not know how to act upon them. We have read a letter dated Sha’ban, but we do not know whether it refers to the current Sha’ban or the one from last year.”
“Letters have reached us from the Commander of the Faithful, but we do not know how to act upon them. We have read one of the letters sent during the month of Sha’ban. We do not know whether it refers to this year’s Sha’ban or last year’s.”
It was because of this incident that Umar bin Khattab later called the Companions to a consultation to determine the calendar that would serve as the dating system for Muslims.
Yes, this issue arose in the 17th year of the Hijri calendar, during the caliphate of Umar bin Khattab. Realizing that administrative order was crucial, Caliph Umar immediately gathered prominent companions (such as Ali bin Abi Talib, Uthman bin Affan, and others) to formulate the official Islamic calendar.
However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not actually migrate in the month of Muharram, but rather in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. So, why does the first month fall on Muharram?
This decision was made upon the recommendation of Uthman bin Affan. There are two main reasons why Muharram was agreed upon as the opening month:
- The Peak of the Intention to Migrate Began in the Month of Muharram: Chronologically, the Prophet’s and his companions’ resolve and well-thought-out plan to migrate emerged after the Second Pledge of Aqaba, which took place toward the end of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. As soon as the month of Muharram began, that resolve was officially set in motion, and the Companions began to migrate in stages. Thus, Muharram marks the “very beginning of the Hijrah process” itself.
- The Month of the Pilgrims’ Return: Since pre-Islamic times, Arab societies have regarded Zulhijah as the month marking the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. After the Hajj season ended at the close of Zulhijah, people would return home and begin a new chapter of activities. Therefore, the following month—namely Muharram—was the most natural time for them to start a new annual cycle.
Thus, the Hijri calendar was established by Caliph Umar bin Khattab. The year is counted from the event of the Prophet’s Hijrah (622 CE), while its first month was designated as Muharram because that is when the initial resolve for the Hijrah was formed after the Hajj month had ended. The history of the Hijri calendar is a story of how Muslims built their own identity and administrative system.
By increasing one’s recitation of prayers, seeking forgiveness (istigfar), and performing righteous deeds through https://digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/bestianyatim at the end of the year, it is hoped that one may enter the Islamic New Year 1448 AH with a purer heart, better intentions, and stronger resolve.
May Allah the Almighty forgive all past sins and mistakes, accept all the good deeds that have been done, and bestow blessings, safety, and ease as we turn a new page in the new year. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil