The Muslims have their own calendar which is based on the cycles of the moon. The calendar consists of twelve months but, only has 354 days unlike other calendars such as the Gregorian or Jewish calendar etc. For this reason the Islamic New Year moves eleven days backwards through the seasons each year.

Muharram is the first month of the Muslim year its first day is celebrated as New Year’s Day.

The Islamic New Year throughout the world is held quietly, without the festive atmosphere of other New Year celebrations.

The appearance of the new moon is recorded in the mosques and special prayers are said. The most important part of the New Year is the telling of the story of the Flight of Medina. The story goes over the radio for everyone to hear.

Islamic New Year celebrations in Egypt has a much more festive atmosphere.