Deborah Akinyosoye
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.
The Supreme Court announced the decision after the Crescent Sighting Committee verified credible testimonies confirming the moon’s sighting.
The Saudi Press Agency quoted the court’s statement, which included prayers for King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and a call for Muslim unity in the year ahead.
The confirmation was also shared on social media by @HaramainInfo, the official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, which posted on Wednesday:
“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 National Moonsighting Committee, the official account of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), also confirmed the date in a post on X on Thursday midnight, stating:
“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 significant day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, will be observed on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Ashura holds deep religious significance, particularly for fasting and reflection among Muslims worldwide.
The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic lunar calendar, began in 622 CE with the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah, a pivotal moment in Islamic history.
The calendar consists of 12 lunar months, with each month beginning upon the confirmed sighting of the new crescent moon. Muharram, the first month, is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is traditionally forbidden, and acts of worship and reflection are especially encouraged.
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a significant day observed by Muslims around the world.
It commemorates various historical events, including the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from Pharaoh, and for many Muslims, it also marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.
Fasting on Ashura is a well-established Sunnah, and it is recommended to fast either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram for added spiritual reward.
Islamic months
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is composed of twelve lunar months, beginning with Muharram and ending with Dhul Hijjah.
The months are: 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.
Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon, making the calendar shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar by about 10–12 days annually.
This year, the new Hijri year 1447 AH begins on Thursday, June 26, 2025, corresponding to 1st Muharram.