Awal Muharram 2026, 2027

Awal Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar. Also known as Maal Hijrah, the day commemorates the historic migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah—an event that laid the foundation for the Islamic community and calendar.

Previous Years

In 2026, Awal Muharram falls on a date determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, based on the sighting of the new moon. As the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the date moves earlier by about 10 to 11 days each year and is officially confirmed through religious announcements.

Is Awal Muharram a Public Holiday in Malaysia?

Yes. Awal Muharram is observed as a nationwide public holiday in Malaysia, applying to all states and federal territories.

On this day, government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed. However, essential services and certain sectors—such as healthcare, transportation, retail, and hospitality—may continue operating. Employees working on Awal Muharram are generally entitled to public holiday benefits in accordance with labour laws and company policies.

As a nationwide observance, Awal Muharram is recognised across the country as an important religious and cultural milestone.

The Meaning and Significance of Awal Muharram

Awal Muharram marks the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The Hijrah event symbolises perseverance, sacrifice, and faith, representing a turning point in Islamic history.

For Muslims, the Islamic New Year is not typically celebrated with festivities. Instead, it is a time for reflection, renewal, and self-improvement. The occasion encourages believers to look back on the past year, assess personal growth, and set intentions for the year ahead.

The themes of unity, moral responsibility, and spiritual progress associated with Awal Muharram continue to resonate in modern life.

How Awal Muharram Is Observed in Malaysia

In Malaysia, Awal Muharram is commonly marked by religious programmes, prayers, and public talks. Many mosques and religious institutions organise sermons that highlight the lessons of the Hijrah and its relevance to daily life.

At the national level, official events such as Maal Hijrah celebrations may be held, including award ceremonies recognising individuals who have contributed to Islamic development and community service.

While the day is observed quietly by most people, its spiritual significance is widely respected across the country.

Replacement Holidays and Work Arrangements

When Awal Muharram falls on a weekday, the public holiday is observed on the gazetted date. If it coincides with a weekend, replacement holiday arrangements are typically applied according to official public holiday guidelines.

Employees required to work on Awal Muharram may be entitled to alternative rest days or additional compensation, depending on their employment terms and applicable labour regulations.

Because observance details are confirmed annually, it is advisable to check official announcements for 2026.

Why Awal Muharram Matters for Planning

As a nationwide public holiday, Awal Muharram can affect school schedules, government services, traffic flow, and business operations across Malaysia. Many organisations plan activities, staff leave, or community programmes around this date.

Knowing when Awal Muharram falls in 2026 helps individuals and businesses plan work commitments, appointments, and religious activities more effectively.

Since the date depends on moon sighting and official confirmation, it is recommended to refer to official public holiday listings and announcements for 2026 and Public Holidays Malaysia for 2026, or refer to the School Holidays Malaysia for 2026 to ensure accuracy.