Muharram 2026 First Day, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

The date of Awal Muharram 2026, Awal Muharram celebrations, school holidays and public holidays, reminds us that Awal Muharram also known as Ma'al Hijrah marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Ma'al Hijrah commemorates the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina, a significant event in Islamic history that led to the establishment of the first Islamic community and the expansion of Muslims to all corners of the world.

The First Day of Muharram or Ma'al Hijrah is a national public holiday in Malaysia, which is celebrated with great meaning throughout the country.

Date of the First Day of Muharram 2026

Announcement of the Official Holiday Date for the First Day of Muharram 2026

If you refer to the 2026 federal and state public holiday schedule by kabinet.gov.my, the First Day of Muharram will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

• June 17, 2026 (Wednesday) – First Day of Muharram (All States)
  • Subject to moon sighting and confirmation by Malaysian Islamic authorities.

June 2026

School Holidays in Conjunction with the Public Holiday of the First Day of Muharram 2026

All students in Malaysia will enjoy the First Day of Muharram holiday based on their school group in 2026. These dates will help students, parents, and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

• 17 June 2026 (Wednesday) – School holiday in all states. No additional holidays.

Group B

(Mellaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, WP Labuan and WP Putrajaya)

• 17 June 2026 (Wednesday) – School holiday in all states. No additional holidays.

If you plan ahead, keep in mind that the school will follow the government's public holiday schedule without additional holidays.

The Ministry of Education has not announced any special/additional arrangements for the celebration of the First Day of Muharram 2026. You can check the official MOE portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

Celebration of the First Day of Muharram in Malaysia

The First Day of Muharram, also known as Ma'al Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Ma'al Hijrah commemorates the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event was a pivotal point in Islamic history that led to the establishment of the first Islamic community and the growth of Muslims to spread throughout the world.

The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, began with the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. This event marked the beginning of a new phase for Islam.

The beginning of Muharram celebrates this transition and reminds Muslims of the importance of faith, courage, and perseverance. The month of Muharram itself is one of the holiest months in Islam, where worship is encouraged.

• Here are some important things about Awal Muharram:
  • Hijrah Event: The beginning of Muharram commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, which is a historic event in Islam.
  • Beginning of the Hijri Year: 1 Muharram marks the beginning of the new year in the Hijri calendar.
  • Religious Importance: Awal Muharram is a religious day for Muslims, where they commemorate this important event and increase their worship practices.
  • Public Holiday: In Malaysia, Awal Muharram is a public holiday, where Muslims will take the opportunity to worship and welcome the Islamic new year.
  • Meaning of Muharram: Muharram means "forbidden" or "forbidden", referring to the prohibition of war or bloodshed.

The beginning of Muharram reinforces Islamic morals such as honesty, perseverance, and unity—especially among teenagers and families.

JAKIM or the state religious council, organizes religious events. Mosques across Malaysia hold Ma'al Hijrah sermons, Quran recitations, and prayers for peace and guidance.

Islamic scholars delivered lectures on the importance of the Hijrah and lessons from the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

Many Muslims recite the End of Year Prayer before sunset on the last day of Zulhijjah and the Beginning of the Year Prayer after sunset to begin Muharram.

Date of the First Day of Muharram by Year

2025 June 27 Friday
2026 June 17 Wednesday
2027 June 6 Sunday

Dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and are subject to moon sighting and confirmation by Malaysian Islamic authorities.

Awal Muharram is not just the beginning of a new calendar—it is a symbolic moment of transformation and renewal. Awal Muharram Day celebrations include:

• Attending a Lecture or Ma'al Hijrah Prayer
• End of Year & Beginning of Year Prayer Reading
• Participate in State-Level Festivals/Celebrations
• Evaluate the past year and make positive resolutions to increase personal and spiritual values.
• Calling people to faith to embrace positive change, just as the Prophet's migration led to a new beginning for Islam.

Through religious programs and celebratory events, this holiday strengthens bonds within the Malaysian Muslim community.

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