Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed Thursday, 26 June 2025, as the start of the Islamic New Year, marking 1 Muharram 1447 AH. This came after the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of Dhul Hijjah 29.
“1st Muharram 1447 – Thursday, 26 June 2025. Crescent for the new Islamic year was sighted this evening,” read a social media announcement from the Two Holy Mosques authority.
Nigeria’s National Moonsighting Committee also confirmed the date. “His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday, 26/6/2025 as 1st Muharram 1447 AH,” read their statement.
Sacred Month and Ashura Observance
The Hijri calendar began in 622 CE with the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah. It follows the moon, making it 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months when acts of worship and reflection increase and warfare is banned. The important day of Ashura falls on 10 Muharram, or July 5, 2025. Many Muslims fast on this day. “Fasting on Ashura is a well-established Sunnah,” religious scholars teach.
Ashura commemorates the rescue of Prophet Musa and his people and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala. “We fast either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th for added spiritual reward,” one scholar noted.
Public Holidays and Government Messages in Nigeria
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq declared Thursday a public holiday. “Hijrah teaches personal and collective sacrifice for good causes,” his statement read. He urged renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and social justice.
Kano State also declared the day a holiday. The commissioner for information thanked the public and urged unity.
Both governors called on Muslims to reflect on the significance of Hijrah in personal and social life.
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