Muharram 2025 Begins: Islamic New Year Starts on June 25 After Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia

The Islamic New Year 2025 has officially begun, with the crescent moon of Muharram sighted on the evening of June 25 in Saudi Arabia. This marks the first day of Muharram 1447 AH, the start of the new year in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Following the moon sighting, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a public holiday on Friday, June 27, allowing both public and private sector employees time to observe the occasion with reflection and reverence.

🕋 What is Hijri New Year?

The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, commemorates the Hijrah—the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This pivotal event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the formation of the first Muslim community.

Unlike festive holidays such as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, the Hijri New Year is a solemn day focused on:

Spiritual introspection

Additional prayers (Nafl Salah)

Charitable acts and good deeds

Renewal of faith and intentions

🕊️ Why Muharram is a Sacred Month

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is prohibited. It is considered a deeply spiritual time for:

Reflecting on one’s relationship with Allah

Reciting the Quran and seeking forgiveness

Setting new spiritual goals for the year

Supporting the community through acts of charity

🌙 Islamic Calendar and Date Shift

The Islamic calendar is lunar, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle. Each month begins with the sighting of a new moon, which causes Islamic dates—like Ramadan, Eid, and Muharram—to shift by approximately 10–12 days earlier each year.

In 2025, the sighting of the crescent moon on June 25 confirmed the start of 1447 AH, following a 29-day cycle for Dhul Hijjah, the previous month.

🌍 Global Observance of the Islamic New Year

More than 20 Muslim-majority countries, including the UAE, Morocco, Indonesia, and Syria, officially observe the Hijri New Year as a national holiday. This shared spiritual moment reflects the unity of the global Muslim Ummah (community).

While customs may vary, the Islamic New Year is universally seen as a time to:

Cleanse the heart

Strengthen moral character

Pray for peace, health, and blessings in the year ahead

Final Thoughts

As Muharram 2025 begins, Muslims around the world embrace 1447 AH with renewed hope, prayer, and reflection. The Islamic New Year offers a moment to reconnect spiritually and align one’s life with the values of faith, peace, and purpose.