Latest news with #DhulHijjah
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Muharram 2025 begins: Hijri New Year confirmed after moon sighting in Saudi Arabia
Following the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia on June 25, the Hijri New Year 1447 officially commenced, with the UAE set to observe a holiday on June 27/ (Representational image) The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, has officially begun as the crescent moon marking the start of Muharram 1447 was sighted in Saudi Arabia on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after Maghrib prayers. This signifies that the previous month, Dhul Hijjah, (May 28, 2025 to June 25, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar) concluded with 29 days this year. Following the moon sighting, the UAE has announced a one-day public holiday on Friday, June 27, for both the public and private sectors, allowing residents to observe the sacred occasion. The announcement aligns with Islamic traditions and is consistent with regional lunar calendar observances. Understanding Hijri New Year: A Spiritual Milestone The Islamic or Hijri New Year commemorates a foundational moment in Islamic history, the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 CE. This event not only marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, but also symbolizes the emergence of a united Muslim community and the early formation of Islamic society and law. While the occasion does not involve festive celebrations on the scale of Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it remains a significant spiritual and cultural event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The day encourages personal reflection, increased prayer, and religious contemplation, especially in the wake of the annual Hajj pilgrimage that concludes days prior, in Dhul Hijjah. Muharram : A Sacred Month of Peace and Reflection The month of Muharram is among the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is forbidden, a directive rooted in Islamic scripture and tradition. This restriction elevates the month's spiritual status, making it a time for heightened devotion, charitable acts, and inner reflection. The 1st of Muharram heralds not just a new calendar year, but also an invitation for Muslims worldwide to renew their spiritual goals and intentions. As such, many believers use this time to revisit their faith practices, set moral resolutions, and seek forgiveness. More than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Syria, officially recognize the Hijri New Year as a national holiday. This global observance reinforces the cultural and religious relevance of the occasion across diverse Muslim-majority nations. Why the Date Changes Every Year The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is lunar-based, meaning it follows the phases of the moon rather than the solar cycle. Each lunar month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, which causes Islamic dates, including Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha, to shift approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the Islamic New Year does not fall on a fixed Gregorian date annually. For 2025, the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia on June 25, marking the start of Muharram 1447. In Summary The Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) began on June 25, 2025, as the crescent moon of Muharram 1447 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. The UAE will observe a public holiday on Friday, June 27, for both public and private sectors. The Hijri calendar starts from 622 CE, the year of Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijrah. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months during which warfare is prohibited, emphasizing peace, prayer, and reflection. Over 20 nations, including the UAE, recognize this day as a national holiday.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Supreme Court: Thursday is first day of Hijri year 1447
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH— The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that Thursday, June 26, will be the first day of the month of Muharram, marking the beginning of the new Hijri year 1447. The announcement follows sighting of the crescent moon of Muharram on Dhul Hijjah 29, Wednesday evening, the Saudi Press Agency reported. A meeting of the Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court took this decision after verifying testimonies of people about the sighting of the crescent moon, the Supreme Court said in a statement. The fasting of Ashura on Muharram 10 will be on Saturday, July 5. The Supreme Court prayed to God to grant success to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and give them best reward as well as to enable Muslims to achieve unity among them during the new Hijri year.
Observer
4 days ago
- General
- Observer
Ministry calls for sighting of Muharram crescent
Muscat: The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs called upon all citizens and residents across the Sultanate of Oman to sight the crescent of the month of Muharram for the year 1447 AH. The observation is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 29, corresponding to June 25, 2025. Those who succeed in sighting the crescent are requested to contact the offices of the respective walis.
Saudi Gazette
12-06-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Strawberry Moon gives a rare celestial treat in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders
Saudi Gazette report ARAR — Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region witnessed a rare astronomical spectacle on Wednesday evening, the rising of the full moon of Dhul Hijjah—the Strawberry Moon. This was a unique astronomical phenomenon known as the 'Great Lunar Standstill." This marks the last full moon of the year 1446 AH, rising from the farthest point on the southeastern horizon. This phenomenon occurs only once every 18.6 years, and it will not occur again until 2043, making it a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and skywatchers to document this rare event. This phenomenon occurs when the tilt of the moon's orbit reaches its maximum north-south deviation, causing the moon to rise and set at the farthest points of the horizon. Astronomical specialists explain that this event is linked to the moon's extreme southern declination, part of the Metonic Cycle, which lasts approximately 19 years. Upon rising, the moon displayed a golden-pink hue due to atmospheric effects, earning it the name "Strawberry Moon," a term used in some cultures to signify the last full moon of spring. Northern Borders Region has become a favored location for observing astronomical phenomena, thanks to its expansive horizons and minimal light pollution, which enhances visibility of the night sky.
Saudi Gazette
11-06-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj ministry seeks documentation of housing contracts for Umrah pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on Umrah service providing companies, establishments, and foreign agents to document housing contracts for Umrah pilgrims in tourist hospitality facilities licensed by the Ministry of Tourism through the "Nusuk Masar" platform. The move is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to ensure high-quality services for Umrah pilgrims and enhance operational efficiency throughout the Umrah season. The ministry clarified that the issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon a documented contract with licensed hospitality providers. This measure aims to regulate the hospitality sector and ensure Umrah pilgrims to have a safe and comfortable experience from the time of their arrival until departure. This directive came into effect from the beginning of the Umrah season on Dhul Hijjah 14, 1446 AH, corresponding to June 10. Authorities emphasized the importance of early contract documentation and strict adherence to the approved regulations to avoid delays in visa issuance or exposure to regulatory action. This decision reflects ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism to raise the standard of services, protect Umrah pilgrims' rights, and prevent practices that could negatively impact their experience.
