Muslims around the world are set to usher in the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH, as both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria officially declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as the first day of Muharram — the beginning of the Hijrah calendar year.
The Hijri New Year, which begins on the first day of Muharram, offers Muslims a moment for spiritual renewal and reflection. It follows the annual pilgrimage of Hajj and precedes Ashura, a day of fasting and devotion observed on the 10th of Muharram.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court confirmed the crescent moon of Muharram was sighted on the evening of Dhul Hijjah 29, corresponding to Wednesday, leading to the announcement that Thursday would mark Muharram 1.
A statement released by the court said, “A meeting of the Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court took this decision after verifying testimonies of people about the sighting of the crescent moon.”
The court added that the fasting of Ashura will be observed on Saturday, July 5.
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 25, 2025
The court also prayed for divine guidance for the nation’s leaders, stating: “The Supreme Court prayed to God to grant success to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and give them best reward as well as to enable Muslims to achieve unity among them during the new Hijri year.”
Similarly, in Nigeria, the National Moonsighting Committee under the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) confirmed the crescent moon was also sighted in the country.
In an official statement posted to its X (formerly Twitter) account at midnight Thursday, the committee announced: “His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday, 26/6/2025 as 1st Muharram 1447 AH. The crescent for the new Islamic year and the month of Muharram was SEEN today.”
Assalamu Alaikum
His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday 26/6/2025 as the first day of Muharram 1447 AH.
Sarkin Malaman Sokoto https://t.co/41e3YwLtVL— National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria (@moonsightingng) June 25, 2025
As in Saudi Arabia, Nigerian Muslims will observe the Day of Ashura on Saturday, July 5 — a date that carries special spiritual importance for acts of worship, particularly voluntary fasting.
The synchronized start of the new year in both countries reinforces a shared spiritual rhythm for the Muslim ummah across the globe.
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