Saudi Arabia and Nigeria declare Thursday, June 26, 2025, as 1st Muharram, marking the Islamic New Year 1447 AH. Ashura to be observed on July 5

Islamic New Year 1447 AH officially begins on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as declared by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

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The announcement marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and signals the start of a new year for Muslims worldwide.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the moon sighting was verified by the Crescent Sighting Committee and later announced through official channels, including the popular @HaramainInfo account on X (formerly Twitter).

The court’s statement included prayers for King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and called for unity and peace among Muslims in the year ahead.

In Nigeria, the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs confirmed the same date through its moonsighting committee. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, also announced that Thursday, June 26, 2025, corresponds to the 1st of Muharram, 1447 AH.

The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, is based on lunar cycles, with each month beginning upon the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Hijri year is shorter by approximately 10 to 12 days.

This year, the month of Muharram brings particular significance as it includes the day of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, which will fall on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Ashura is a day of fasting, reflection, and commemoration in Islam. It marks the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh in Egypt and, for many Muslims, also honours the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.

Fasting on Ashura is a well-established Sunnah, and many believers fast either on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th for greater spiritual reward.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is forbidden and acts of devotion are highly encouraged. Across the Muslim world, prayers, charity, and peaceful observances will mark the start of the new year.

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As the crescent ushers in 1447 AH, many Muslim-majority states have declared public holidays, including Kano and Kwara in Nigeria, where governors extended their goodwill and prayers to the faithful, urging reflection and unity.