Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries have announced the sighting of the Muharram crescent moon, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 Hijri on Thursday, June 26.
Religious authorities confirmed the sighting of the new moon on Wednesday evening, signalling the start of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The Day of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, will fall on July 5 in Saudi Arabia.
NEWS: The 1st of Muharram 1447 has commenced after Maghrib on Wednesday 25th June 2025
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025
The moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia today which means the month of Dhul Hijjah will be 29 Days.
May Allāh accept our siyām, qiyām & acts of worship and may He grant us the ability to… pic.twitter.com/2uyCkSR3hl
The beginning of the new Islamic year is being marked with various religious and cultural events across the region. In the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other Arab nations, special programmes have been planned to commemorate the occasion.
As part of the annual tradition, the ceremonial replacement of the Kiswa — the cloth covering the Kaaba in Makkah — also commenced with the arrival of the new year.
In Pakistan, the crescent for Muharram 1447 Hijri is expected to be visible on June 26, according to astronomical forecasts. The official announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ