Hijrah 1446: A Simple Guide to This Year's Islamic New Year

If you’ve seen headlines about Hijrah 1446 and wondered what’s going on, you’re not alone. The Islamic calendar rolls over each year just like ours, but it follows the moon instead of the sun. That means the dates shift a little every season. In 2025 the new Hijri year starts around July 7, kicking off the month of Muharram.

Why does this matter? For many Muslims, the first day of Muharram is a chance to reflect on the past twelve months and set intentions for the next. It’s not a big party like New Year’s Eve in the West, but there are quiet prayers, family gatherings, and sometimes community meals.

Key Dates and What to Expect

The Islamic calendar has 12 lunar months, each lasting 29 or 30 days. Because a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian one, Hijrah 1446 will appear earlier on our calendar than last year’s Hijri New Year.

• 1 Muharram (Hijrah 1446) – around July 7, 2025. This is the official start of the new year.
• 10 Muharram (Ashura) – about July 16, 2025. Some Muslims observe fasting or charity on this day.
• 12 Rabiʿ al‑Awwal – early September 2025, marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad for many communities.

These dates aren’t set in stone until the moon is sighted locally, so you’ll hear a quick announcement from mosques or local media when the new year is confirmed.

How People Celebrate Around Africa

Since our site focuses on African news, here’s what you might see across the continent:

• Nigeria & Ghana: Mosques hold a special “Salat al‑Hajah” prayer after sunrise. Families often share sweets like kunafa or puff‑puff.
• Kenya & Tanzania: Coastal communities blend Swahili traditions with the new year, serving pilau and samosas during afternoon tea.
• South Africa: Some churches organize interfaith gatherings where Muslim leaders speak about peace and fresh starts.

No matter the country, the vibe is calm and hopeful. People might also give a small amount of charity (sadaqah) to start the year on a generous note.

If you’re not Muslim but want to join in, a simple "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Happy Hijri New Year" works fine. Most folks appreciate the gesture and will be happy to explain a bit about their customs.

One practical tip: mark your calendar for the moon‑sighting announcement a day before 1 Muharram. That way you won’t miss the exact moment when the year flips. Many apps now send push notifications for Islamic dates, which can be handy if you’re busy.

In short, Hijrah 1446 is another turn of the lunar calendar that brings a quiet chance to reset goals and share good vibes with loved ones. Keep an eye out for local mosque announcements, enjoy a sweet treat or two, and think about what positive changes you’d like to see in the coming year.

Whether you’re watching from South Africa’s Cape Town waterfront or Lagos’s bustling streets, the spirit of fresh starts is universal. Happy Hijrah 1446!