The Islamic New Year is celebrated according to the Islamic calendar. In Indonesia, Islamic New Year is included as one of the official religious holidays. The Islamic New Year marks the first day of the month of Muharram—name of a month on the Islamic calendar. This was calculated based on the time when Prophet Muhammad migrated Mecca to Medina to spread the Islamic teaching.

Muharram is considered a holy month by Muslims around the world. This is because, during the month of Muharram, Hajj pilgrims finish their journey in Mecca. It is also believed fasting on the 10th day of Muharram will be able to redeem all the sins from the previous year. This is why Islamic New Year becomes one of the most-awaited celebrations by Muslims around the world.