Muharram begins on Thursday, Saudi Supreme Court confirms
text_fields
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially declared Thursday, June 26, as the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic year 1447. The announcement followed the verified sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of June 25, Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 29.
The crescent moon’s appearance signifies the start of the Hijri calendar, which began with the Prophet Muhammad’s historic migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah. This lunar-based calendar is used for Islamic rituals, including fasting and pilgrimage.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court’s decision came after a meeting of its Crescent Sighting Department, which confirmed the testimonies of individuals who observed the crescent. Based on this, the 10th of Muharram—Ashura, a significant day in Islamic tradition—will fall on Saturday, July 5.
In a statement, the Supreme Court offered prayers for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asking for divine support in their service to Islam and unity among Muslims in the new year.