Islamic New Year in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Meaning and timing

The Hijri calendar is based on the Moon, and its year count is tied to the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. The Islamic Community’s calendar explains that a Hijri month begins at sunset when the new crescent is visible; it marks Islamic New Year as 1 Muharram.[2][1]

This is a religious-calendar observance, distinct from the civil New Year. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, its date moves through the civil calendar over time.[2]

How it is observed locally

In a report from Kotor Varoš, the Islamic Community described local gatherings after the evening prayer, with some congregations holding a mevlud program or religious talk; mosque lights were also used to mark the beginning of the year.[5]

The Islamic Community has also reported Quran recitation, public talks and lectures for the occasion in Srebrenik.[5]

Leave, closures and practical planning

Islamic New Year is not among the Republic of Srpska law’s named religious holidays, which include the two Bajrams. The same law allows residents up to two paid days off in a year, by their choice, for other religious holidays; it says holidays falling on non-working days are not transferred to the next working day.[3]

In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Labour Ministry says employees may take up to four working days per calendar year for religious or traditional needs, with two days paid. It distinguishes this leave from holidays that the law designates as non-working days for public authorities and employers.[4]

Brčko District’s holidays law lists New Year, District Day and Labour Day as its official district holidays. Check with a specific office or business before visiting.[6]