* Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, others declare Tuesday first of Muharram
Muslims across Nigeria and several countries around the world on Tuesday welcomed the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1448AH following the sighting of the Muharram crescent moon, ushering in a season of reflection, prayers, and renewed commitment to the values of faith, sacrifice, and unity embodied by the historic Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH.
The declaration was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, following the sighting and verification of the new moon.
The announcement signalled the beginning of a new Hijri year for millions of Muslims across the country, with Islamic organisations, scholars, and faithful marking the occasion with prayers and messages of hope for peace, prosperity, and national development.
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, began with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, making it a turning point in Islamic history and the foundation of the Muslim community.
Saudi Arabia confirms start of Muharram
Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced that Tuesday would mark the beginning of Muharram after the crescent moon was sighted across the Kingdom.
The Kingdom’s declaration officially ushered in the new Islamic year and set the date for Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, which is expected to fall on Thursday, June 25.
Muharram occupies a special place in Islam as one of the four sacred months during which Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of worship, charity, remembrance of Allah, and voluntary fasting.
Many Muslims also observe fasting on the Day of Ashura, commemorating, among other historical events, the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS) and the Children of Israel from the oppression of Pharaoh.
Türkiye welcomes 1448AH with prayers, Ashura traditions
In Türkiye, Muslims joined their counterparts worldwide in welcoming the new Islamic year as authorities confirmed Tuesday as the first day of Muharram.
According to Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), the beginning of Muharram marks not only the start of a new Hijri year but also an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the Hijrah, including faith, sacrifice, perseverance, solidarity, and devotion to Allah.
Diyanet noted that the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah remains one of the most defining moments in Islamic history, laying the foundation for the Muslim community and the Islamic calendar.
Religious gatherings, sermons, and community programmes were held across Türkiye to commemorate the occasion, while preparations also commenced for the observance of Ashura later in the month.
A unique feature of Muharram observances in Türkiye is the preparation and distribution of Ashura (Aşure), popularly known as “Noah’s pudding.” The traditional dessert, made from grains, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts, is shared among families, neighbours, and the less privileged as a symbol of generosity, gratitude, and social cohesion.
Diyanet encouraged Muslims to use the new Hijri year as a period of spiritual renewal, strengthening communal bonds and embracing the values exemplified by the Hijrah.
Qatar announced Tuesday as First of Muharram 1448AH
Qatar also announced Tuesday as the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1448AH, following precise astronomical calculations, the Qatar Calendar House (QCH) said in a statement.
The statement explained that the determination of the beginnings and endings of Hijri months was based on the Moon’s movement in its orbit around the Earth, while Gregorian months were linked to the Earth’s movement around the Sun.
Executive Director of Qatar Calendar House, Dr. Faisal Al Ansari, said the crescent of Muharram 1448AH was born on Monday, the sighting day, at 5:55 a.m. Doha local time (2:55 a.m. GMT).
He added that the crescent set after sunset on the sighting day across Qatar, remaining visible for about 40 minutes, with visibility duration increasing progressively further west.
The announcement placed Qatar among several Muslim countries that had confirmed the start of Muharram 1448AH, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year observed with prayers, reflection, and renewed spiritual commitment across the Muslim world.
Egypt begins new Hijri year
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta also announced Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH after its legal and scientific committees confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon.
The country’s authorities subsequently marked the Islamic New Year with official messages and public observances.
The Egyptian government had earlier approved a public holiday to commemorate the occasion, allowing citizens to participate in religious and family activities associated with the new year.
UAE marks beginning of 1448AH
The United Arab Emirates similarly declared Tuesday as the first day of Muharram after the UAE Fatwa Council reviewed moon-sighting data in collaboration with astronomical and scientific institutions.
The council offered prayers for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation and its people while urging Muslims to use the occasion for spiritual reflection and gratitude.
The UAE also observed a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic year.
Pakistan begins a day later
Unlike many Middle Eastern and African countries, Pakistan announced that the Muharram crescent moon was not sighted on Monday, resulting in Wednesday, June 17, being declared as the first day of Muharram 1448AH.
Consequently, Ashura is expected to be observed in the country on Friday, June 26.
Religious leaders in Pakistan encouraged Muslims to dedicate the month to prayers, Qur’an recitation, charity, and remembrance of Allah, while reflecting on the significance of the Islamic New Year.
Significance of Hijrah
For Muslims worldwide, the Islamic New Year is more than the commencement of a new calendar cycle. It serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering faith demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions during their migration from Makkah to Madinah.
The Hijrah paved the way for the establishment of the first Muslim community and remains a timeless lesson on perseverance in the face of adversity, trust in Allah, and the importance of unity and brotherhood.
As the Muslim world enters 1448AH, scholars have urged the faithful to reflect on the lessons of the Hijrah, strengthen their relationship with Allah, promote peace and justice, and contribute positively to their communities.
The beginning of Muharram also sets the stage for the observance of Ashura later in the month, one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting, reflection, and remembrance across the Muslim world.
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