Awal Muharram, also known as the Islamic New Year, is a time of reflection, gratitude and spiritual renewal for Muslims across the world. In Malaysia, where cultural diversity is embraced, Awal Muharram carries both spiritual and educational importance. For schools, especially private and international schools in Malaysia, this occasion provides an opportunity to nurture cultural awareness, respect, and inclusivity among students of all backgrounds.

At Regent International School Malaysia, for instance, Awal Muharram is not only observed as part of the school calendar but also incorporated into classroom learning and activities. This helps students gain a meaningful understanding of the occasion, while aligning with global values in the Cambridge International Curriculum.

What is Awal Muharram and Why It Matters

Awal Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and commemorates the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. This journey symbolises resilience, faith and unity — themes that are universally valuable, making them ideal for integration into school learning.

In Malaysia, Awal Muharram is a public holiday and is often celebrated with community events, prayers and sermons. Within an academic setting, especially at international schools in Malaysia, this day provides a chance to highlight the moral lessons of perseverance, kindness and respect for cultural traditions.

How We Teach Its Significance at School

Teaching about Awal Muharram in schools involves more than recounting historical facts. At Regent International School Malaysia, teachers weave the story of Hijrah into broader themes such as overcoming challenges, embracing diversity and showing empathy towards others.

By doing so, students see Awal Muharram not just as a historical milestone, but as a source of values that can guide their own lives. Through storytelling, discussions and creative activities, schools bring out the relevance of these values in day-to-day contexts.

Classroom Activities by Age Group

Preschool/Early Years

• Storytelling sessions: Teachers narrate the Hijrah story using picture books or puppets, making it engaging for young children. 
• Craft activities: Simple art projects such as making crescent moon decorations or drawing Hijrah-themed pictures. 
• Songs and rhymes: Fun, age-appropriate songs about kindness and togetherness.
  These Awal Muharram classroom activities preschool Malaysia teachers use help introduce concepts of sharing, respect and unity. 

Primary (Key Stages 1–2)

• Roleplay: Students act out the story of Hijrah in simple scenes. 
• Class discussions: What lessons can we learn from migration and new beginnings? 
• Art and writing: Designing posters on themes like “hope” and “perseverance” or writing short essays about new starts. 

Lower Secondary

• Comparative study: Exploring similarities between Awal Muharram and other New Year traditions worldwide. 
• Project-based learning: Small group projects on migration stories in history, linking Hijrah to global movements. 
• Debate sessions: Discussing values of resilience, unity and leadership. 

Upper Secondary

• Critical reflection: Essays analysing the relevance of Hijrah in today’s world.
• Interdisciplinary projects: Linking the Hijrah with themes in geography (migration), history and moral studies.
• Student-led presentations: Research on how different Muslim communities celebrate Awal Muharram globally.

By tailoring activities to age groups, schools like Regent Malaysia ensure that every student, regardless of level, gains insights that are both age-appropriate and intellectually stimulating.

Tips for Parents

Parents also play an important role in reinforcing these values at home. Here are a few practical ways to support:

• Share simple stories about the Hijrah with younger children.
• Encourage reflection by asking older children what “new beginnings” mean to them.
• Take part in community events, where children can see how the broader society celebrates Awal Muharram.
• Model the values of patience, resilience and gratitude in everyday family life.

When schools and families work together, the values of Awal Muharram become more deeply rooted in a child’s character.

Practical Classroom Checklist for Teachers

To make Awal Muharram celebrations smooth and impactful, teachers can use this checklist:

• Prepare age-appropriate storybooks or videos on the Hijrah.
• Plan Awal Muharram classroom activities preschool Malaysia that are interactive and hands-on.
• Incorporate reflective writing or creative art projects for older students.
• Organise group discussions or debates for secondary levels.
• Use multicultural comparisons to highlight inclusivity.
• Coordinate with parents for home extension activities.
• Align activities with the Cambridge International Curriculum objectives.
• Create a display board with student work on themes of perseverance, unity and hope.

This practical approach ensures Awal Muharram lessons go beyond one-off activities and foster meaningful connections to values and learning.

Final Words

Awal Muharram is much more than a date on the Islamic calendar — it is a valuable opportunity to instil timeless values of resilience, empathy and unity in students. In the context of private and international schools in Malaysia, such as Regent International School Malaysia, Awal Muharram serves as a reminder that education should nurture not just academic excellence, but also moral and cultural awareness.

By blending storytelling, classroom activities and family involvement, schools can help students of all backgrounds appreciate the universal messages of Awal Muharram.

If you are a parent seeking a school that combines world-class academics with cultural values, explore how Regent International School Malaysia delivers holistic learning through the Cambridge International Curriculum while honouring Malaysia’s diverse traditions.

Discover more about Regent International School Malaysia today and see how your child can thrive in an environment where global education meets cultural values. Write to us!