50 Islamic New Year Celebration Ideas for the Workplace: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

As our global society becomes increasingly diverse, it is crucial for workplaces to foster an environment that celebrates and embraces the various cultures and traditions of their employees.

One such occasion is the Islamic New Year, a significant event in the Islamic calendar that marks the beginning of the lunar year. With its rich heritage and traditions, the Islamic New Year offers a wonderful opportunity for organizations to promote diversity, cultural understanding, and inclusivity within the workplace.

In this blog, we present 50 Islamic New Year celebration ideas that can be incorporated into your workplace, ensuring a meaningful and inclusive observance of this auspicious occasion.

Let us explore how you can create an engaging and inclusive environment where all employees can join in the festivities and feel valued for their unique backgrounds and beliefs.

When is Islamic New Year 2025?

Islamic New Year starts on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and ends on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The date of the Islamic New Year changes every year as the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. However, please note that the exact date may vary based on the sighting of the moon by the relevant Islamic authorities.

30 Ways to celebrate Islamic new year in the office

1. Organize a lunch gathering

Arrange a special lunch where everyone can come together and enjoy traditional Islamic cuisine. Encourage employees to bring dishes representative of Islamic culture.

2. Decorate the workspace

Add festive decorations such as colorful lanterns, banners, or artwork related to Islamic culture. This will create a vibrant atmosphere and showcase the spirit of the occasion.

3. Share historical insights

Arrange a short presentation or a brief talk about the significance of Islamic New Year, providing historical insights and teachings associated with the event. This can help foster cultural understanding among colleagues.

4. Create a reflection corner

Set up a designated space where employees can take a few moments to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. Provide journals or note cards for people to write down their thoughts and aspirations.

5. Encourage acts of charity

Organize a charitable activity, such as a donation drive or volunteer work, to give back to the community. This aligns with the spirit of Islamic teachings and can promote unity within the office.

6. Host a cultural exhibition

Encourage employees to share artifacts, clothing, or photographs that represent their cultural backgrounds, including Islamic traditions. This can help foster appreciation for diverse cultures and create a sense of unity.

7. Arrange a book discussion

Select a book related to Islamic history, culture, or literature and organize a book club session where employees can discuss the book's themes and insights. This promotes knowledge sharing and encourages meaningful conversations.

8. Conduct a cultural quiz

Organize a fun quiz or trivia session based on Islamic history, traditions, and important figures. This can be a friendly competition that educates employees about Islamic culture while adding excitement to the celebration.

9. Showcase Islamic art

Display Islamic art pieces, calligraphy, or paintings in common areas of the office. This allows employees to appreciate the beauty and rich artistic heritage of Islamic culture.

10. Send greetings and wishes

Encourage employees to exchange New Year greetings and wishes. This can be done through personalized cards, emails, or even a bulletin board where people can write and share their well wishes.

11. Create an islamic art contest

Encourage employees to showcase their artistic talents by organizing an art contest centered around Islamic themes. This can include painting, calligraphy, or even digital art.

12. Plan a guest speaker session

Invite a guest speaker, such as an Islamic scholar or community leader, to deliver a talk or presentation on the significance of Islamic New Year. This can provide deeper insights and engage employees in a meaningful discussion.

13. Arrange a traditional attire day

Invite employees to dress up in traditional Islamic attire or colors associated with Islamic culture. This can create a festive atmosphere and allow individuals to express their cultural identity.

14. Establish a new year resolution board

Set up a bulletin board where employees can write down their personal or professional goals for the upcoming year. This encourages motivation and a sense of community as people support and encourage each other.

15. Create a mini Islamic bazaar

Set up a small bazaar area in the office where employees can showcase and sell handmade crafts, jewelry, or traditional Islamic items. This provides an opportunity to appreciate and support local talent.

16. Organize a quran recitation session

Arrange a gathering where employees can participate in a group Quran recitation session. This can be done during a break time or after work hours, and it promotes spiritual reflection and unity.

17. Host an Islamic film screening

Set up a movie night featuring a film related to Islamic culture, history, or values. Provide popcorn and snacks for everyone to enjoy while fostering cultural awareness.

18. Conduct a henna art workshop

Invite a henna artist to the office to give employees the opportunity to get temporary henna designs on their hands. This traditional art form is associated with celebrations in many Islamic cultures.

19. Organize a potluck breakfast

Start the workday with a shared breakfast where employees bring in traditional Islamic breakfast dishes. This allows everyone to experience the diverse flavors of Islamic cuisine.

20. Encourage Islamic literature exchange

Create a book-sharing initiative where employees can bring in and exchange books related to Islamic literature, philosophy, or poetry. This promotes knowledge sharing and fosters a love for reading.

21. Conduct a calligraphy workshop

Arrange a workshop where employees can learn the art of Islamic calligraphy. Provide materials such as calligraphy pens, ink, and practice sheets, allowing participants to explore this beautiful art form.

22. Organize a mosque visit

Coordinate a visit to a local mosque, with the guidance of a knowledgeable representative who can provide insights into Islamic practices and traditions. This offers employees an opportunity to experience Islamic culture firsthand.

23. Arrange a traditional music performance

Invite musicians who specialize in Islamic music to perform live in the office. Traditional instruments such as the oud or the ney can create a soothing and culturally immersive ambiance.

24. Host a "Halal" food fair

Collaborate with local halal restaurants or caterers to organize a food fair in the office. Employees can sample various halal dishes, promoting cultural appreciation and diversity.

25. Create a ramadan care package

As Islamic New Year often falls around the time of Ramadan, assemble care packages consisting of dates, water bottles, and small treats that employees can take home to break their fast. This gesture demonstrates empathy and inclusivity.

26. Arrange a traditional Islamic fashion show

Encourage employees to showcase traditional Islamic clothing and organize a fashion show within the office. This promotes cultural exchange and appreciation for different styles of attire.

27. Launch an Islamic poetry contest

Invite employees to compose and share their own Islamic-themed poems. This can be done through a contest or an open mic session, allowing individuals to express their creativity and love for poetry.

28. Organize a community service day

Allocate a day for employees to engage in community service activities aligned with Islamic values, such as volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a charity drive, or participating in a clean-up initiative.

29. Host a coffee table discussion

Facilitate an open dialogue where employees can discuss topics related to Islamic culture, history, or current events. This provides a platform for knowledge-sharing and promotes a better understanding of Islamic perspectives.

30. Create an Islamic new year photo booth

Set up a themed photo booth in the office, complete with props and decorations representing Islamic culture. Employees can take memorable photos to commemorate the occasion and share them with their colleagues.

20 Ways to celebrate Islamic new year virtually

1. Virtual Islamic new year gathering

Organize a virtual gathering with friends and family through video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype. Share reflections on the past year and discuss goals for the coming year.

2. Online Islamic lectures

Look for online lectures or sermons by renowned Islamic scholars discussing the significance of the Islamic New Year and its teachings. Join these sessions to gain knowledge and spiritual inspiration.

3. Digital Islamic art exhibition

Create or curate a virtual exhibition of Islamic art, calligraphy, and architecture. Share the artwork with friends and family on social media platforms or through a dedicated website.

4. Virtual Quran recitation

Organize a virtual Quran recitation session where participants can take turns reciting verses from the Quran. Create a schedule and invite participants to recite their favorite verses or chapters.

5. Online Islamic book club

Start an online book club focusing on Islamic literature. Choose a book related to Islamic history, spirituality, or self-improvement, and engage in discussions via video calls or online forums.

6. Virtual community service

Encourage members of your community to participate in virtual community service projects. This can include fundraising for charitable causes, organizing online awareness campaigns, or providing virtual tutoring sessions.

7. Virtual cooking session

Host a virtual cooking session where participants can learn to prepare traditional Islamic dishes associated with the Islamic New Year. Share recipes and cooking tips while celebrating the culinary heritage.

8. Online charity drive

Initiate an online charity drive where individuals can donate to causes related to poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, or other charitable endeavors. Collaborate with reputable organizations to ensure the funds reach those in need.

9. Virtual mosque visit

Arrange a virtual tour of significant mosques around the world. Share recorded or live-streamed videos of mosque visits, accompanied by historical and architectural explanations.

10. Online reflection journaling

Encourage individuals to maintain an online reflection journal throughout the Islamic New Year. They can share personal reflections, spiritual growth, and aspirations for the year ahead. Create a platform or designated hashtag for participants to share their entries.

11. Virtual calligraphy workshop

Organize an online calligraphy workshop where participants can learn the art of Islamic calligraphy. Invite a calligraphy expert to guide the session and teach different styles of Arabic script.

12. Virtual mosque tour

Collaborate with local mosques to offer virtual tours. Utilize live streaming platforms like the M3U8 player or pre-recorded videos to take participants on a virtual journey, showcasing the architecture, history, and significance of each mosque.

13. Online nasheed concert

Arrange an online nasheed (Islamic songs) concert where talented singers and performers can showcase their skills. Create a playlist of spiritual nasheeds and enjoy a virtual concert with friends and family.

14. Virtual Islamic quiz

Host an online Islamic quiz session to test participants' knowledge about Islamic history, teachings, and significant events. Prepare a set of questions and conduct the quiz through a video conferencing platform or an online quiz tool.

15. Digital Islamic art and craft workshop

Plan a virtual workshop where participants can learn to create Islamic-themed art and crafts. Provide tutorials on Islamic patterns, paper cutting, or origami, and encourage participants to showcase their creations.

16. Online Islamic poetry night

Organize a virtual poetry night dedicated to Islamic poetry. Invite participants to recite or share their favorite Islamic poems or compositions. This can be done through live video performances or pre-recorded submissions.

17. Virtual sufi meditation session

Arrange a virtual Sufi meditation session to promote spiritual reflection and tranquility. Share guided meditation sessions inspired by Sufi teachings, focusing on mindfulness and connecting with the divine.

18. Online Islamic storytelling

Create a virtual storytelling session where participants can share inspiring Islamic stories or narrate historical accounts related to the Islamic New Year. Encourage creativity and engagement through animated storytelling techniques.

19. Digital Islamic calligraphy competition

Organize an online calligraphy competition where participants can submit their calligraphy artwork. Set a theme related to the Islamic New Year and invite participants to showcase their skills through digital submissions.

20. Virtual Islamic fashion show

Host a virtual Islamic fashion show where participants can showcase modest fashion trends and designs. Collaborate with local fashion designers or invite individuals to model their own creations while highlighting Islamic principles of modesty.

Celebrate Islamic New Year with Empuls: Drive inclusion, engagement, and cultural awareness

As workplaces grow more diverse, it's essential for organizations to honor and celebrate the rich traditions of their employees. Islamic New Year 2025 offers a unique opportunity to foster inclusivity, deepen cultural understanding, and bring your team closer together.

With Empuls, you can seamlessly bring your celebration ideas to life — whether your team is on-site, remote, or hybrid. Here's how Empuls can help you create a memorable and meaningful Islamic New Year experience.

1. Run virtual & hybrid celebrations

Host a virtual Islamic art contest, poetry session, or calligraphy challenge, and let employees vote or comment on submissions. Use polls, quizzes, and surveys to keep engagement high throughout the event.

3. Boost participation with recognition

Recognize employees who participate or contribute meaningfully — through Empuls’ peer-to-peer recognition tools. Create custom badges (e.g., "Culture Champion", "Spirit of Hijri") to reward engagement.

4. Foster community with employee stories

Encourage employees to share personal stories, traditions, or photos related to Islamic New Year. Use Empuls’ community features on the social intranet tool to spark conversations and cultural exchange through posts and comments.

6. Encourage acts of kindness

Launch a charity drive through Empuls, inviting employees to contribute to meaningful causes. Share progress and celebrate milestones with real-time updates and recognition.

7. Measure engagement and feedback

Use Empuls' pulse surveys to gather feedback on how inclusive and impactful the celebrations were — and learn how to do even better next time.

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