1st Muharram 2025: Marking New Year and Ashura
The commencement of the new Islamic year and the observance of Ashura hold great significance for Muslims worldwide, with various traditions and rituals being followed, and this year's events are marked by solidarity with those affected by conflicts in different parts of the world.
The Islamic Hijri calendar 2025 commences with the new year, Muharram, and the significant event of Ashura, which falls on July 5, 2025, with Sunni and Shia Muslims observing it in distinct ways, including fasting and mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
As the Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the dates of Islamic events shift earlier each year. This year, the Ashura processions have been influenced by conflicts in various regions, with marches in countries like Pakistan, Lebanon, and Iraq also serving as occasions to mourn the situation of Palestinians.
In Pakistan, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has predicted that the first day of Muharram 1447 AH will likely fall on June 27, 2025. According to the astronomical forecast, the new moon of Muharram is expected to be born on June 25, 2025, at 3:32 PM Pakistan Standard Time, and it is anticipated to be visible on the evening of June 26, 2025, provided the weather conditions are clear.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final announcement regarding the start of Muharram based on actual moon sighting reports, which will determine the exact date of Ashura and other significant events in the Islamic Hijri calendar 2025.