Islamic New Year 1447 AH Begins Thursday, June 26, 2025 — Saudi Arabia and Sultan Confirm Crescent Moon Sighting
By Tosin Oyediran | June 26, 2025
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as 1st Muharram 1447 AH, marking the beginning of the new Islamic (Hijri) year, following the verified sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday evening, corresponding to Dhul Hijjah 29.
The moon sighting was confirmed by the Crescent Sighting Committee, prompting the Supreme Court’s announcement, which was widely shared across Saudi media and social platforms. The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Two Holy Mosques, @HaramainInfo, posted:
“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, His Eminence, also confirmed the moon sighting. The National Moonsighting Committee (NSCIA) posted:
“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.”
This joint confirmation across the Islamic world officially launches the sacred month of Muharram, which holds deep spiritual significance in Islam.
🕌 Significance of the Month of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is prohibited and acts of worship and self-reflection are especially encouraged. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, will fall on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Ashura is highly revered for its historical and religious importance. It commemorates:
- The deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from Pharaoh.
- The martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), at the Battle of Karbala.
Muslims are encouraged to fast on Ashura, with traditions recommending fasting on either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
🌙 Overview of the Islamic Hijri Calendar
The Islamic calendar began in 622 CE with the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. It consists of 12 lunar months, each beginning with the verified sighting of a new crescent moon.
The Hijri 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.
Because it is based on the moon, the Hijri calendar is 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
📌 Conclusion
The arrival of 1st Muharram 1447 AH signifies a new beginning for Muslims worldwide — a time for renewal, prayer, and reflection. As believers usher in the Islamic New Year, the call for unity, peace, and devotion echoes across the global Muslim community.
