Islamic New Year books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Islamic New Year? around Sunday 6 June 2027. Dates marked “around” depend on the moon and local calendars.
The Islamic New Year begins the month of Muharram and the new year in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It remembers the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, when the Islamic calendar begins. It is usually a quiet day of reflection rather than a big celebration.
Who celebrates Islamic New Year, and books for each
Muslim
Many Muslims think about the year ahead, pray and tell the story of the Hijrah. The tenth day of Muharram, Ashura, is a day of fasting for many Sunni Muslims and of mourning Imam Husayn for Shia Muslims.
📖 Free guideGolden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
Hena Khan
not a New Year book, but a lovely way to talk about Muslim life and faith
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Islamic New Year books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Islamic New Year would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Islamic New Year?
Ways to celebrate Islamic New Year with children
- Tell the story of the Hijrah journey, and draw a map from Makkah to Madinah.
- Make a 'new year wishes' list together.
- Look at the new moon and talk about the lunar calendar.
- Do a kind deed to start the year well.
Islamic New Year picture books at a glance
All the Islamic New Year books on this page: Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors (Hena Khan).
Questions parents ask about Islamic New Year
Why does the Islamic New Year move?
The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so its year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, and its dates move earlier each year.
Related festivals: Ramadan · Eid al-Adha · Eid al-Fitr
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.