Islamic New Year Holiday date in UAE, Kuwait, Dubai, Oman, Pakistan and India: Hijri New Year 2019 Holidays Announced

Islamic New Year Holiday Date: While the date may vary — largely because of the time difference between countries — the Islamic New Year 2019 will begin on the evening of August 31.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | Updated: August 30, 2019 09:41 AM IST

2 min read

Islamic New Year 2019, Islamic New Year, Indian Express news

Islamic New Year 2019:The Islamic New Year is also called Arabic New Year or Hijri New Year, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Islamic New Year Holiday: Muharram is the first month of the Islamic New Year. It is the second-most holy month of the Islamic year, after Ramadan. The new year has been observed since 622 AD, when it is believed Prophet Mohammed migrated from Mecca to Yathrib (now known as Medina), to escape religious persecution.

While the date may vary — largely because of the time difference between countries — the Islamic New Year will begin on the evening of August 31.

Sometimes the exact dates differ, because some Islamic organisations rely on local moon sightings to determine the new month date, while others — including Saudi Arabia — use astronomical calculations for new moon.

The Islamic New Year is also called Arabic New Year or Hijri New Year, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. In some Muslim-majority countries, the day is officially a holiday. The Dubai government has, for example, already announced the Hijri New Year holiday.

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