Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is a significant national holiday in Brunei. The Islamic calendar, which the country follows religiously, is lunar-based, and the New Year falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year as it depends on the sighting of the moon but it usually takes place 11 days earlier than the previous year's date in the Gregorian calendar.
In Brunei, the celebration of the Islamic New Year is an event of deep spiritual significance. The holiday is marked by reflection, prayer, and being with family. It is not characterized by grand festivities and excessive celebrations rather it is a time for contemplation and introspection. People in Brunei spend this day attending prayer sessions at the mosque, participating in religious ceremonies, and reading from the Quran.
Despite the quiet dignity of the day, the Islamic New Year holiday leaves a profound impression on Bruneian society. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year and promote Islamic values such as forgiveness, compassion, and generosity within the community. It also reinforces the importance of unity, tolerance, and peace among the people of Brunei as they look forward to the possibilities and challenges of the New Year.