Amun Jadid falls on July 19 this year. It is also known as the Islamic New Year and is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the most important events in Islamic culture. To celebrate Amun Jadid, Muslims pray for their family, friends, good health, lasting peace, and a fructiferous New Year. Filipino Muslims also use this day to reflect on the previous year.

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

570 A.D.
The Prophet Muhammad Is Born

The Prophet Muhammad, also spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, is born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

610 A.D.
Muhammad Receives His First Revelation from Allah

Muhammad begins preaching throughout Mecca after he receives his first revelation on Mount Hira

622 A.D.
Muhammad Travels from Mecca to Medina

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.

632 A.D.
The Prophet Muhammad Dies

After 22 years of relentless preaching, the Prophet dies in 632.

Amun Jadid FAQs

Does the date of Amun Jadid change?

Yes, it does. In the Islamic calendar, the changing of the date commences right after sunset. And unlike in the Gregorian calendar, it starts at midnight.

Is Amun Jadid celebrated in other countries apart from the Philippines?

Yes, it is also celebrated in other countries, such as India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

What Islamic year are Muslims celebrating

This year, Muslims will celebrate the Islamic year 1444.

How to Observe Amun Jadid

  1. 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.

  2. Have typical Muslim food for dinner

    To commemorate this holy day, eat some Muslim food. Traditional options range from Baida Roti to Chicken Biryani.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Unflagging faith in Allah

    Without Allah’s permission, Muslims believe that nothing can happen.

  3. Largest Muslim population

    Indonesia has the largest number of Muslims in the world, with 120 million Muslims.

  4. 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.

  5. Islam and Math

    ‘Algebra,’ from the Arabic word ‘al-jabr,’ originated in the Islamic world.

Why Amun Jadid is Important

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Amun Jadid dates

Year Date Day
2022 July 30 Saturday
2023 July 19 Wednesday
2024 July 8 Monday
2025 June 27 Friday
2026 June 17 Wednesday