The Islamic New Year 1447 AH officially begins today, Thursday, June 26, 2025, following the verified sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday evening, marking the start of the sacred month of Muharram.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed the new Hijri year after receiving credible testimonies from moon sighting observers. The announcement, conveyed via the Saudi Press Agency, was accompanied by prayers for King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and a call for continued unity among Muslims globally.
The moon sighting was also announced by @HaramainInfo, the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, which stated:
“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 midnight announcement. According to the statement:
“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.”
Ashura to Be Observed on July 5
The Day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram and holds great religious significance, will be observed on Saturday, July 5, 2025. It is a day of fasting, reflection, and commemoration for Muslims worldwide.
Ashura commemorates the historic salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers from Pharaoh’s tyranny. It is also widely observed as the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), at the Battle of Karbala.
About the Islamic Calendar
The Hijri (Islamic) calendar was established in 622 CE with the Hijrah—the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah—a milestone that marks the beginning of the Islamic era. The calendar is lunar-based and consists of 12 months, each beginning with the sighting of a new crescent moon.
The months 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.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is traditionally forbidden. It is considered a period of heightened spiritual reflection and devotion.
A Time for Reflection and Unity
As Muslims around the world mark the beginning of 1447 AH, religious leaders have called on the faithful to use the occasion as a time for renewed spiritual commitment, unity, and prayer for peace and prosperity.
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