Islamic New Year Holiday
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Islamic New Year is a public holiday for the people of Brunei. Many will fast and pray throughout the month of Muharram, especially during the first 10 days. In 2026, Islamic New Year falls on Wednesday 17 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. The first day of the Islamic year is called “Awal Tahun Hijrah,” in reference to the first day of the Islamic “Hijrah” Calendar. The Islamic Calendar and dating system begins with the “hijrah” (flight) of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in C.E. 622. In Brunei, both Western New Year’s Day on 1 January and Islamic New Year’s Day on 1 Muharram are publicly recognised holidays. This makes sense since Brunei is predominantly Muslim and yet is interconnected to the rest of the world that largely follows the Gregorian Calendar.
History
Islamic New Year is a public holiday for the people of Brunei. Many will fast and pray throughout the month of Muharram, especially during the first 10 days. In 2026, Islamic New Year falls on Wednesday 17 June. The first day of the Islamic year is called “Awal Tahun Hijrah,” in reference to the first day of the Islamic “Hijrah” Calendar. The Islamic Calendar and dating system begins with the “hijrah” (flight) of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in C
How It's Celebrated
Islamic New Year is a public holiday for the people of Brunei. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. In Brunei, both Western New Year’s Day on 1 January and Islamic New Year’s Day on 1 Muharram are publicly recognised holidays