Islamic New Year Wishes: Hijri New Year Messages and Duas

Sending Islamic New Year wishes is a quiet, reflective tradition. The Hijri year begins on the first of Muharram, and many Muslims use the moment to make dua, reflect on the past year and set good intentions.

Below you will find the meaning of the Hijri year, respectful greetings, and messages for family and friends.

What is the Hijri New Year?

The Islamic calendar counts years from the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. It is a lunar calendar, so each year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. The Wikipedia article on the Islamic calendar explains how it works.

• First month: Muharram, one of the four sacred months.
• Ashura: the tenth of Muharram, a day many Muslims fast.
• Moon sighting: the exact date depends on the new moon.

A respectful note on Muharram

For many Shia Muslims, the first ten days of Muharram are a time of mourning for Imam Husain and the events of Karbala. If friends or neighbours are observing this, a quiet dua is more fitting than a festive message.

Scholars also differ on whether new year greetings are needed at all, so many people simply make dua without a special celebration.

Common greetings

Islamic New Year wishes for family

• May Allah make this Hijri year one of peace, health and barakah for our family.
• As a new year begins, may Allah forgive our mistakes and guide us to good.
• May this year bring us closer to Allah and closer to each other.
• Wishing our family a year of answered duas and quiet blessings.

Islamic New Year wishes for friends

• Kull am wa antum bikhair! May this year be full of goodness for you.
• May Allah fill your new year with iman, health and happiness.
• A new Hijri year, a new chance for good deeds. May Allah bless you.
• Naya Islami saal mubarak, my friend. Remember me in your duas.

Short Islamic New Year wishes

• May this year be better than the last.
• May Allah accept our deeds and forgive our sins.
• A blessed new year to you and your family.
• May Allah grant us barakah in our time.
• Kull am wa antum bikhair.

Islamic New Year wishes for colleagues

• Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Hijri new year.
• May the new Islamic year bring you success and good health.
• Warm wishes to you and your family as the Hijri year begins.

Teaching children about the Hijri calendar

The new year is a good moment to teach children the names of the Islamic months and why the calendar begins with the Hijrah. A simple wall calendar with both Hijri and Gregorian dates makes it visual.

Children can mark important days such as Ramadan, the two Eids and Ashura, and watch how they move earlier each year.

Reflecting on the new year

1. Look back: what went well in your worship and character?
2. Set an intention: one small, consistent good habit.
3. Fast on Ashura: many Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
4. Give charity: start the year with sadaqah.

A new prayer outfit or khimar can be a gentle reminder of a fresh start. Our hijab for prayer guide compares the options.

Other Islamic greetings

For the blessed month, see our Ramadan Kareem meaning guide, and for the celebrations that follow, our Eid Mubarak wishes.

The story of the Hijrah

The calendar begins with the Hijrah because it marked the start of the first Muslim community in Madinah. The second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, chose this event as the starting point of the calendar.

Remembering the Hijrah reminds us of sacrifice, trust in Allah and new beginnings, which is why the new year is a natural time for reflection.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the Islamic New Year?

On the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. The date moves about 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

What is the Hijri calendar?

A lunar calendar that begins from the Hijrah, the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah.

What are common Islamic New Year wishes?

Common greetings are Happy Hijri New Year and Kull am wa antum bikhair, meaning may you be well every year.

Is there a special dua for the new year?

No specific dua is confirmed in the Sunnah, so many people simply ask Allah for a year of goodness and forgiveness.

Is Muharram a month of celebration?

It is one of the four sacred months. For many Shia Muslims, its first ten days are a time of mourning, so greetings should be respectful.

What is Ashura?

The tenth day of Muharram, on which many Muslims fast.

Sharing Islamic New Year wishes

The best Islamic New Year wishes are simple duas for a better year ahead. Be mindful of those observing Muharram in mourning, keep your message sincere, and use the moment to set one good intention.

May this Hijri year bring you peace and barakah.