Muslims around the world on Tuesday marked the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1448 AH as the month of Muharram officially began following the sighting of the crescent moon in several countries. The occasion marks the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar and the start of a new Hijri year.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and other countries confirmed that Tuesday, June 16, is the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the year 1448 AH. The date was announced after moon-sighting committees reported the sighting of the new crescent, which determines the start of the Islamic month.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a calendar used by Muslims to determine religious events and observances throughout the year.
The calendar is based on lunar cycles and consists of twelve months. Because it is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the date of the Islamic New Year shifts each year.
The Hijri calendar begins from the year of the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This migration is a key moment in Islamic history, as it led to the establishment of the first Muslim community. Since then, the Hijrah has served as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds a special place in Islam and is considered one of the four sacred months mentioned in Islamic teachings. During this period, Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of worship, reflection and charity, while strengthening their faith and community responsibilities.
Unlike celebrations associated with the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is generally observed through prayers, religious gatherings and personal reflection. In many countries, Muslims gather in mosques to listen to sermons focusing on the lessons of the Hijrah and the importance of faith, patience and unity.
The beginning of Muharram also marks the lead-up to Ashura, observed on the tenth day of the month. This year, Ashura is expected to fall on June 25. The day holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide and is commemorated in different ways across Islamic communities.
Several countries have declared public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities announced a holiday for government employees, private-sector workers and students, allowing communities to observe the occasion through family and religious activities.
Religious leaders have used the occasion to encourage Muslims to reflect on the year gone by and prepare for the year ahead through prayer, service and community engagement. Messages shared across Muslim communities have focused on gratitude, faith and the importance of supporting those in need.
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