Muharram 2025 Begins: Hijri New Year Confirmed After Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia

The Islamic New Year, marking the start of Muharram 1447 in the Hijri calendar, officially began on June 25, 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia. This significant event signals the end of Dhul Hijjah, the previous lunar month, which lasted 29 days this year.

In observance of the sacred occasion, the United Arab Emirates has declared a public holiday on Friday, June 27, for both government and private sectors. The announcement aligns with long-standing Islamic traditions and the regional lunar calendar, allowing residents to mark the beginning of the new Islamic year.

The Significance of Hijri New Year

The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, commemorates a pivotal moment in Islamic history: the Hijrah, or migration, of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event not only marks the starting point of the Islamic lunar calendar but also symbolizes the birth of a unified Muslim community and the early establishment of Islamic governance and law.

Unlike Eid celebrations, the Hijri New Year is observed with solemnity and introspection. It is a time for increased prayer, spiritual reflection, and renewing one's faith, particularly following the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the month of Dhul Hijjah.

Muharram: A Month of Sacred Reflection and Peace

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months in which warfare is traditionally forbidden, underscoring its spiritual importance. Muslims worldwide use this month to engage in acts of devotion, charity, and self-reflection.

The first day of Muharram serves as an opportunity for believers to renew their spiritual commitments, set moral intentions, and seek forgiveness as they embark on a new lunar year.

Global Observance

More than 20 Muslim-majority countries, including the UAE, Morocco, and Syria, officially recognize the Hijri New Year as a national holiday. This widespread observance highlights the cultural and religious significance of the occasion across diverse Islamic communities.

Why the Date Changes Each Year

The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, relying on the phases of the moon rather than the solar cycle. Each new month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, causing Islamic dates—including major holidays like Ramadan and Eid—to shift approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.

For 2025, the crescent moon marking the start of Muharram was sighted on June 25 in Saudi Arabia, officially commencing the new year, 1447 Hijri.

Summary:

• Muharram 1447 began on June 25, 2025, after the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.
• The UAE declared a public holiday on June 27 for the Hijri New Year.
• The Hijri calendar started in 622 CE, marking Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina.
• Muharram is a sacred month emphasizing peace, prayer, and reflection.
• Over 20 countries observe the Islamic New Year as a national holiday.