Saudi Arabia, Sultan Confirm Start of Islamic New Year 1447 AH on Thursday
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Saudi Arabia, Sultan Confirm Start of Islamic New Year 1447 AH on Thursday |
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH. This follows the confirmed sighting of the new crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 29.
The announcement came after the Crescent Sighting Committee verified reliable testimonies of the moon’s appearance. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Supreme Court’s statement included prayers for King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with a call for unity among Muslims in the year ahead.
The news was also shared on social media by @HaramainInfo, the official X (formerly Twitter) handle for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. The 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 National Moonsighting Committee, under the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), confirmed the date in a post on X at midnight:
“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.”
One of the most significant days in the month of Muharram is Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram. This year, it will be observed on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Ashura is a day of deep spiritual importance, marked by fasting and reflection among Muslims worldwide.
According to PUNCH Online, the Islamic (Hijri) calendar began in 622 CE with the historic Hijrah — the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. This event marks a pivotal turning point in Islamic history.
The Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, consisting of 12 months. Each month begins with the confirmed sighting of the new crescent moon. Muharram, the first of these months, is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which acts of worship and reflection are highly encouraged, and warfare is traditionally forbidden.
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, commemorates several historic events — most notably the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from Pharaoh. For many Muslims, it also marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.
Fasting on Ashura is a well-established Sunnah. It is recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th of Muharram for increased spiritual benefit.
Islamic Months
The 12 months of the Islamic lunar calendar are:
Muharram
Safar
Rabi’ al-Awwal
Rabi’ al-Thani
Jumada al-Awwal
Jumada al-Thani
Rajab
Sha’ban
Ramadan
Shawwal
Dhul Qa’dah
Dhul Hijjah
Because it is lunar-based, the Islamic calendar is 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar each year.
This year, 1st Muharram 1447 AH falls on Thursday, June 26, 2025, officially ushering in the new Islamic year.
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