Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of Muharram, marking the start of the Islamic New Year, will be on Sunday, July 7.
This decision follows the fact that the crescent moon was not sighted on Friday, July 5.
According to a statement from the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, Dhul Hijjah will be a 30-day month, with Saturday, July 6, being the last day.
The statement read: “The Crescent Sighting Committee of the Supreme Court decided that Saturday, 30/12/1445 AH according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, corresponding to July 6, 2024 AD, will be the completion of the month of Dhul Hijjah for the year 1445 AH as thirty days, and that Sunday, 1/1/1446 AH according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, corresponding to July 7, 2024 AD, will be the first day of the month of Muharram for the year 1446 AH.”
This marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1446 AH. The announcement underscores the traditional practice of moon sighting, which determines the Islamic calendar.
