New Islamic Year 1447 AH Begins Thursday, Saudi Arabia, Sultan of Sokoto Confirm

The Islamic New Year 1447 After Hijrah (AH) officially begins on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following confirmation of the crescent moon sighting by both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria’s Islamic leadership.

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the new crescent on Wednesday evening, marking the end of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH and the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. 

The announcement was made after the country’s Crescent Sighting Committee received and verified credible reports.

The Saudi Press Agency also reported the development, noting that the court offered prayers for the nation’s leaders and called for unity among Muslims worldwide in the new year. 

The official account for the Two Holy Mosques, @HaramainInfo, posted the update on social media, stating:

“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 confirmed the same date. The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Thursday as the start of Muharram 1447 AH, in line with the verified moon sighting. 

The announcement was made via the official X handle of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

With the start of the new year, Muslims around the world will soon observe Ashura—the 10th day of Muharram—which falls on Saturday, July 5, 2025. 

Ashura is a significant day for spiritual reflection and is widely observed through fasting and prayers.

The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, began in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah to Madinah. 

The lunar-based calendar consists of twelve months, including Muharram, Rajab, Ramadan, and Dhul Hijjah. Each month begins with the confirmed sighting of the new moon, making the calendar shorter than the Gregorian calendar by about 10 to 12 days.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is traditionally prohibited and acts of worship are highly encouraged. 

The 10th of Muharram also commemorates key historical events such as the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and, for many, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.

Muslims are encouraged to fast on Ashura, preferably along with the 9th or 11th day of Muharram, as a practice rooted in the traditions of the Prophet.