Al-Hijri (Islamic New Year)

Al-Hijra commemorates the Hijra, which translates as 'departure,' of the Prophet Muhammad, who left Mecca and went to Medina with his followers to establish an Islamic community and worship Allah. This occurred on 1 Muharram 622 CE and this is the date from which the Islamic calendar is calculated. During Al-Hijra and the month of Muharram, Muslims reflect on this journey.

Al-Hijra is not a religious holiday, but it does mark the start of Muharram, which is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. Al-Hijra is a time for reflection and some Muslims will make New Year's resolutions or observances to mark the occasion. Muharram is considered one of the 4 sacred months of the Islamic Year.