Islamic holiday

Islamic New Year

ראש השנה המוסלמית

Reviewed & updated by יהב עטיה · About the team

The first day of the month of Muharram, the start of the Islamic year. A public holiday in many countries but without large public celebrations; for Shia Muslims, early Muharram is a period of mourning for the Battle of Karbala.

When & where

Islamic New Year by country — 2026

In most countries the date is the same: Sunday 6 June 2027. A few move it to the nearest weekday.

Africa

Asia

Europe

Bosnia and HerzegovinaSunday 6 June 2027

For the traveller

How it affects a trip

Offices and banks close for the day. In Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain the first days of Muharram (up to Ashura) include large mourning processions that can block streets.

Q&A

Answers to your questions

When is Islamic New Year in 2026?

Sunday 6 June 2027 — the same date in 17 countries.

Which countries observe Islamic New Year as a public holiday?

Niger, Libya, Indonesia, Algeria, Sudan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Nigeria, Brunei, Djibouti and 5 more.

What's closed on Islamic New Year?

In countries where it's a public holiday: banks, government offices and most shops close, and public transport shifts to a weekend timetable. Museums and attractions vary — check each one.

Is it a good time to travel around Islamic New Year?

Offices and banks close for the day. In Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain the first days of Muharram (up to Ashura) include large mourning processions that can block streets.

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Holiday dates: date-holidays · Background: Around the World

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