The Islamic New Year 1447 AH officially began after Maghrib on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as the crescent moon marking the start of Muharram was sighted in Saudi Arabia. This means the previous Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah, concluded after 29 days.
UAE Declares Friday, June 27 as Public Holiday
In the United Arab Emirates, both public and private sector employees will observe a one-day holiday on Friday, June 27, to mark the beginning of the new Hijri year. While not celebrated on the same scale as Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year remains a spiritually significant date for Muslims around the world.
What is the Hijri New Year?
The Hijri calendar starts from the year 622 CE the year of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina. This migration led to the establishment of the first Islamic state and is considered a turning point in Islamic history.
The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam. During Muharram, Muslims are encouraged to increase prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection, as warfare is forbidden in this month according to Islamic teachings.
Muharram: A Sacred and Reflective Month
Unlike other major Islamic holidays, Muharram is observed in a solemn and introspective manner. It offers a moment for Muslims to renew their faith, commit to personal betterment, and reflect on the lessons of the Prophet’s migration and struggles.
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, so the dates of key months and holidays such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Hajj vary from year to year. The sighting of the new moon signals the beginning of each new month, including Muharram.
Recognized Across the Muslim World
More than 20 countries, including the UAE, Morocco, Indonesia, and Syria, observe the Hijri New Year as a public holiday. It continues to serve as an occasion for spiritual renewal and reflection in Muslim communities worldwide.
For more about Islamic events and moon sightings, check the Kiswa replacement ceremony and Eid Al Adha 2025 dates in Saudi Arabia.
