Thursday, June 26, 2025, has been declared as the first day of Muharram of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH, after the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 29.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad lll made the declaration separately on Thursday.
The Supreme Court announced the decision after the Crescent Sighting Committee verified credible testimonies confirming the moon’s sighting.
Similarly, The Nigerian 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.”
While quoting the Saudi Court, the Saudi Press Agency said there were 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
“1st Muharram 1447 – Thursday, 26 June 2025. Crescent for the new Islamic year was sighted this evening. The new Hijri year begins tomorrow.”
Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram is on Saturday, July 5, 2025, and holds deep religious significance, particularly for fasting and reflection among Muslims worldwide.
The Islamic Hijra 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 has 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.
The Islamic (Hijra) calendar has 12 lunar months. 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.
