Amun Jadid, or the Islamic New Year, ushers in a period of spiritual reflection and community every year on the first day of Muharram. It commemorates the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. Take time to pray for loved ones, reflect on personal growth, and engage in acts of charity.
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History of Amun Jadid
The first day of the Islamic year is celebrated by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with about 1.8 billion people identifying with the faith. It is the youngest of the major world religions as its creation dates to the seventh century. Islam started with the prophet Muhammad, in Mecca.
A year lasts for about 354 days and consists of 12 months in the Islamic calendar. Muharram is the first month of the year and is known as the month of remembrance. It is also considered to be the most sacred month. Each month starts at the time of the new moon. The days of the month alternate between 30 and 29 days, except for the 12th, called Dhū al-Ḥijjah, whose length is varied in a 30-year cycle intended to keep the calendar in step with the true phases of the moon.
Muharram is observed by most Muslims in the belief that it is linked to two significant Islamic events that define Muslim practices and traditions: the day Moses led his people to freedom from Egypt and the day Imam Hussein bin Ali was killed. Shia Muslims mourn Imam Hussein’s death on Muharram. Whereas for Sunnis it is a day full of hope and gratitude for the blessing of freedom.
On the day of Amon Jadeed, Muslims pray and perform rituals. They also practice fasting, which symbolizes discipline and restraint rather than individual gratification. Throughout the fast itself, Muslims will abstain from certain provisions that the Quran has otherwise allowed; namely, eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse.
Amun Jadid timeline
The Prophet Muhammad, also spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, is born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad begins preaching throughout Mecca after he receives his first revelation on Mount Hira
This journey, which the Prophet undertook with his supporters, becomes known as the Hijra (also spelled Hegira or Hijrah) and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
After 22 years of relentless preaching, the Prophet dies in 632.
Amun Jadid FAQs
When is Amun Jadid?
Amun Jadid 2026 falls on Wednesday, June 17. It marks the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
How is Amun Jadid celebrated?
Muslims celebrate Amun Jadid through prayer, reflection on the past year, and setting intentions for the new one. It’s a time for family gatherings, acts of charity, and seeking blessings for good health and peace.
What is the significance of the Islamic New Year?
Amun Jadid marks the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a foundational event in Islamic history. It symbolizes a new beginning and the establishment of the first Muslim community.
Is Amun Jadid a public holiday in the Philippines?
Yes, Amun Jadid is a regular holiday in the Philippines, officially declared as the Islamic New Year. This allows Filipino Muslims to observe the day with appropriate religious and cultural practices.
How to Observe Amun Jadid
Take your day off
For Filipino Muslims, Amun Jadid is a public holiday. Schools and most businesses are closed. Stay at home, and resist the temptation to work from home.
Have typical Muslim food for dinner
To commemorate this holy day, eat some Muslim food. Traditional options range from Baida Roti to Chicken Biryani.
Pray
The Amun Jihad marks the beginning of the Islamic year. What better way to enter the new year than praying?
5 Facts About Islam That You Probably Did Not Know
The word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to God’
‘Islam’ means ‘surrender’ or ‘submission’ in the Arabic language, and Muslims live their lives trying to show faith in Allah.
Unflagging faith in Allah
Without Allah’s permission, Muslims believe that nothing can happen.
Largest Muslim population
Indonesia has the largest number of Muslims in the world, with 120 million Muslims.
Holy places
Some important Islamic holy places are the Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
Islam and Math
‘Algebra,’ from the Arabic word ‘al-jabr,’ originated in the Islamic world.
Why Amun Jadid is Important
We have a reason to celebrate faith
Even if you’re not a Muslim, Amun Jadid is a good opportunity to celebrate the Islamic faith. Celebrating the holiday, even if you do not identify with the faith, is a noble thing to do.
It’s the perfect day to be with your loved ones
Muslims spend the Amun Jadid day with their family and loved ones. If you’re not a Muslim but happen to be in a city where Amun Jadid is a public holiday, seize the opportunity to also spend time with your loved ones.
We reevaluate our dealings with other people
You may have hurt someone in the past, sometimes unwittingly. Use this occasion, and the opportunity it provides, to apologize.
