Islamic New Year 2019 and 2020

Awal Muharram is the first day of the first month of the Islamic Calendar and is a public holiday in Mauritania, as in other predominantly Muslim nations.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2019	1 Sep	Sun	Islamic New Year
2020	20 Aug	Thu	Islamic New Year

The religious calendar followed by Muslims worldwide begins on the day that Muhammad made his famous “hijira” (flight) from Mecca to Medina, after his preaching was not at first accepted by the people of Mecca.

The date varies from year to year on the Gregorian Calendar, moving about 11 days earlier each year.

Awal Muharram is a largely “quiet” day of reflection. Many in Mauritania will attend prayer and sermon sessions at local mosques or other public places. They may also recite verses from the Koran and just spend time with family and friends at home.