Dates and Origins of Ra's as-Sanah

Ra's as-Sanah Dates in 2024, 2025 and 2026

Ra's as-Sanah is celebrated at the following dates:

Ra's as-Sanah is the Arabic phrase for “head of the new year”1. It signifies the first day in the Islamic calendar1. Instead of being a strictly religious observance, it is used more as a day of reflection of the past year, as well as planning for the coming year1.

Origins

The first Islamic year, and therefore the first Ra's as-Sanah, started in 622 AD when the Prophet Muhammed emigrated from Mecca to Medina2. This is known as the Hijra2.

Celebration

In the Islamic calendar, a new day begins at sunset3. Therefore, Ra's as-Sanah commences when one can first see the moon3. Although there is no traditional method of observance, many Muslims spend the day praying and fasting.