How do you wish a Muslim 'Happy New Year'?

Happy New Year!

Or in Arabic: al-sanat al-jadīdah

Or in Urdu, a familiar language to many of our Pakistani heritage neighbours: nayya saal mubarak

You could say that to many of your Muslim neighbours, as most have Pakistani roots, but are also British and observe the western new year as well.

In 2023 the Islamic Year 1445 started between the evenings of 18th and 19th July.

The Islamic New Year occurs at different times of our year because Islam uses a lunar calendar that started from the Hijra, the Flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622AD.

Muslims mark their New Year quietly, with prayer and reflection.