The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as the first day of Muharram, marking the start of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH, after the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 29.
According to a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency, the announcement came after the Crescent Sighting Committee received and verified multiple trustworthy reports of the moon’s appearance.
Once confirmed, the court released the news and offered prayers for the continued good health of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while also calling for unity among Muslims across the globe during the upcoming year.
The news was also shared through the official X (formerly Twitter) account @HaramainInfo, which represents the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Their post read: “1st Muharram 1447 – Thursday, 26 June 2025. Crescent for the new Islamic year was sighted this evening. The new Hijri year begins tomorrow.”
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto also declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as the first day of the Islamic year. The National Moonsighting Committee, which represents the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), confirmed the crescent sighting through its own official X handle shortly after midnight. It stated: “His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday, 26/6/2025 as 1st Muharram 1447 AH. The crescent for the new Islamic year and the month of Muharram was SEEN today.”
The beginning of Muharram marks the start of the Hijri calendar, a lunar-based system that consists of 12 months. It was first established in 622 CE, starting from the historic journey (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. This calendar is used to determine the dates of important Islamic events and holidays.
Muharram is known as one of the four sacred months in Islam, a time when violence is traditionally discouraged and acts of worship are given special attention. Muslims often use this time for reflection, prayer, and fasting.
One of the most meaningful days in the Islamic calendar, Ashura, will fall on Saturday, July 5, 2025, which corresponds to the 10th of Muharram. Ashura carries religious weight for many Muslims around the world.
For Sunni Muslims, it is a day to remember the saving of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from Pharaoh. For Shia Muslims, it is also a day to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala.
Fasting on Ashura is widely practiced. It is recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram, which many believe brings spiritual reward.
The Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by about 10 to 12 days, as it follows the lunar cycle. The months in the Hijri calendar include: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah, and Dhul Hijjah.
