When is Hijri New Year?
In 2026, Hijri New Year falls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. It is classified here as a paid public holiday.
History of Hijri New Year
Hijri New Year is 1 Muharram, opening the Islamic lunar year. Its era is anchored to Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622, but the day is not the migration's exact anniversary. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year, so the date moves about eleven days through successive Gregorian calendars.
The occasion is generally reflective rather than a midnight secular countdown. Mosques, media or families may discuss the Hijra, patience and moral renewal, exchange greetings or share food. None is a compulsory national programme, and households mark it with differing degrees of ceremony.
Law No. 5 lists Hijri New Year. GNU Decision No. 265 made Tuesday, June 16 the 1 Muharram 1448 holiday for public institutions in 2026, allowed scheduled examinations to continue and preserved essential-worker compensation. Later dates require fresh Libyan confirmation and institutions must check which authority's notice governs them.
How Hijri New Year is observed
Official Hijri New Year holiday shown for Tuesday, June 16, 2026; scheduled examinations could continue under the GNU decision.
Traditions of Hijri New Year
Prayer and reflection
Individuals may pray, read or reflect on the Hijra and a new lunar year. Public countdowns and private gatherings welcome the new year, often with music, fireworks or other locally familiar forms of celebration.
Greetings and family
Relatives may exchange wishes or share food without treating one custom as required. The holiday itself is commonly quieter, giving families and friends time to meet, eat together and exchange wishes for the year ahead.
Learning about the Hijra
Mosques and media may explain the migration while distinguishing it from 1 Muharram's exact date. Transport, shops and public services may operate reduced hours, so practical arrangements are best checked before the holiday begins.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Libya official holiday calendar or legislation. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Libya may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Libyan Law Society: Law No. 5 of 2012 on official holidays, LANA: 2026 Hijri New Year decision, Encyclopaedia Britannica: the Hijra, United Nations: Libya's divided institutions and two centres of power, Encyclopaedia Britannica: New Year festival.
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