Islamic New Year 1445: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of Muharram

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Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced that Tuesday, July 18, will be the last day of the month of Dhul Hijjah, 1444 Hijri, according to Saudi Press Agency.

The report said, “There was no sufficient evidence that the crescent was spotted on the evening of Dhul Hijjah 29 (Monday, July 17), and hence the Supreme Court decided that Tuesday (July 18) would be the last day of the month of Dhul Hijjah.”

Saudi Arabia

Consequently, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, is being celebrated as the first day of the month of Muharram, 1445 Hijri.

Supreme Court: Tomorrow is first day of Muharram 1445 Hijrihttps://t.co/vRKXY45jD2#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/DUtZg6Brzx

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) July 18, 2023

UAE

In UAE, Friday, July 21, has been declared the official holiday to celebrate the Islamic New Year or the Hijri New Year for public and public sector employees. However, reports by news dailies said the Astronomy Centre shared an image of the Muharram crescent moon that was taken today at 9.48am, UAE time. It was spotted in the skies of the UAE and Jordan.

The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wished the citizens of the country on the occasion of the Hijri New Year.

On the occasion of Hijri New Year, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of the UAE and to Muslims everywhere. We pray to God that the new year is filled with progress and stability, and that it brings a renewed commitment to peace and harmony around the world.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 19, 2023

Meanwhile, Sharjah has announced a two-day holiday for the Islamic New Year, giving workers in the emirate a four-day long weekend.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. The first day of this holy month is known as the Islamic New Year, Al Hijri or Arabic New Year.