[84618] The Islamic world marks the beginning of the year 1448 AH: Differences in start dates

[84618] The Islamic world marks the beginning of the year 1448 AH: Differences in start dates

In the Gulf states, the start of the new year was announced for Tuesday, while in Shiite institutions in Iraq, the date was set for Wednesday.

Announcements on the beginning of the year 1448 AH

Across the Muslim world, last night marked the sighting of the moon for the beginning of the month of Muharram and the year 1448 according to the Hijri calendar. Official reports indicate differences in timelines between various religious institutions and countries.

The position of Saudi Arabia and Oman

According to an official statement by אخبار السعودية, which published the decision of the Saudi Supreme Court, testimony was received regarding the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Monday, June 15, 2026. Consequently, it was determined that Tuesday, June 16, 2026 is the first day of the month of Muharram and the new year 1448. Similarly, واحد العراق reported that in the Sultanate of Oman, Tuesday was also announced as the first day of the month. In Saudi Arabia, they noted that the day of Ashura will fall on July 25.

The position of Shiite centers in Iraq

On the other hand, the office of the supreme religious authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, announced that after the moon was not sighted, Tuesday would be the completing day for the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. According to واحد العراق and وكالة الأنباء العراقية (واع), Wednesday, June 17, 2026 was announced as the first day of the month of Muharram.

The announcement was circulated among various Iraqi and Lebanese media outlets, including جريدة الصباح العراقية and Lebanesenews24, which highlight the official entry date according to al-Sistani's ruling.