Dates and Origins of Ra's as-Sanah
Ra's as-Sanah Dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025
Ra's as-Sanah is celebrated at the following dates:
- Wednesday, July 19, 2023
- Monday, July 8, 2024
- Friday, June 27, 2025
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.