Islamic New Year 2019 and 2020

Islamic New Year (Awal Muharram) is a public holiday in Sudan. The first day of the first month of the Islamic Calendar corresponds to the day in C.E. 622 when Muhammad took flight from Mecca to Medina.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2019	31 Aug	Sat	Islamic New Year
2020	20 Aug	Thu	Islamic New Year

Around 97 percent of Sudan’s people are Muslims, and most of these are Sunni and follow Sufi traditions. Upon the sighting of the crescent moon, the new month and new year is officially declared each year by the moon-sighting committee.

The month of Muharram is considered a holy month. It is a time to fast, pray, recite Koranic verses, spend time at the local mosque, avoid all fighting, and be extra careful to avoid sins.