Muharram 2025 India Date: Crescent Moon Sighted In Saudi Arabia, Islamic New Year Begins
The Islamic New Year 2025, also called Hijri New Year, officially commenced on Wednesday, June 25, after the crescent moon of Muharram was sighted in Saudi Arabia post-Maghrib prayers. This celestial event marked the beginning of Muharram 1447 AH, confirming that the preceding month, Dhul Hijjah, concluded after 29 days.
To honor this sacred occasion, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a public holiday on Friday, June 27, for both government and private sector employees. The holiday provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect, pray, and usher in the new year with renewed spiritual focus.
In India, the Islamic New Year will begin on Friday, June 27, following the sighting of the Muharram crescent moon. The month had already commenced in Saudi Arabia a day earlier, starting on Thursday, June 26, after the moon was sighted post Maghrib prayers.
What is the Islamic new year?
The Islamic New Year, known as Hijri New Year or Al-Hijrah, commemorates a major turning point in Islamic history- the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This migration marked the establishment of the first Islamic community and the start of the Hijri calendar, a lunar system still used in religious observances today.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds great religious importance. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam where violence and warfare are prohibited. Muslims are encouraged to devote this time to spiritual growth, introspection, and acts of kindness.
During this month, believers often Offer additional prayers and increase Quran recitation, Seek forgiveness and renew faith, Engage in charity and community service and set spiritual and moral goals for the year ahead
The 1st of Muharram is not celebrated with fanfare, but rather with quiet reflection and reverence.
Why the date changes every year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar, consisting of 12 months based on the phases of the moon. Since lunar months are approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than solar months, Islamic dates such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and the Hijri New Year move earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2025, the moon was sighted on June 25, marking the first day of the new Islamic year, 1447 AH. This shifting calendar connects Islamic rituals closely with natural lunar cycles.
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