The Hijri New Year is one of the important religious occasions for Muslims. Its start is determined by observing the crescent moon of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. This year, Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta is scheduled to conduct the official moon sighting for Muharram after sunset on Wednesday, 29 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH, which corresponds to June 25, 2025 (Gregorian).

Official Holiday for the Hijri New Year
Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly has announced an official holiday for all employees in the public and private sectors, as well as banks, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, which is expected to coincide with the first day of Muharram 1447 AH, according to astronomical calculations.
Remaining Official Holidays in Egypt for 2025
In addition to the regular weekend holidays (Friday and Saturday), the remaining public holidays in Egypt until the end of 2025 are:

Thursday, June 26 – Hijri New Year

Thursday, July 3 – Substitute holiday for June 30 Revolution

Wednesday, July 23 – Revolution Day

Thursday, September 4 – Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Monday, October 6 – Armed Forces Day

When Is the First Day of Muharram 1447 AH?
According to astronomical predictions, Thursday, June 26, 2025, is expected to be the first day of Muharram 1447 AH. However, the official announcement will be made following the moon sighting by Dar Al-Ifta on the evening of Wednesday, June 25.
How Is the Hijri Year Start Determined?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, in coordination with the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, deploys religious and scientific committees to visually and instrumentally observe the new crescent. An official statement is released on 29 Dhul-Hijjah to confirm the beginning of the new Hijri year.

Meaning and Significance of the Hijri New Year
The Hijri New Year commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina — a pivotal event in Islamic history marking the foundation of the Islamic state. During the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, this event was adopted as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
Why Did the Hijri Calendar Start with Muharram?
When Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab decided to establish a calendar for Muslims, he consulted the companions of the Prophet. Some suggested starting with the Prophet’s birth or death, but the consensus was that the Hijrah marked the beginning of a new era. Muharram was chosen as the first month because it follows the Hajj season, when pilgrims return to their homes.

About the Hijri Calendar
The Hijri year consists of 12 lunar months, totaling approximately 354 days, making it about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. Each month is based on the moon's cycle, which lasts around 29.53 days.

The Story Behind Adopting the Hijri Calendar
The Islamic calendar was officially adopted in 17 AH, when Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab received an undated letter from Abu Musa Al-Ashari. To resolve the confusion, he consulted the companions and they agreed to use the Prophet’s Hijrah as the start of Islamic chronology. The first Hijri year began in Muharram, 17 AH.
The Hijri Months and the Origins of Their Names

Muharram – A sacred month; warfare was traditionally forbidden.

Safar – Named because people left their homes empty.

Rabi’ al-Awwal – Named after spring.

Rabi’ al-Thani – Follows Rabi’ al-Awwal.

Jumada al-Awwal – Named for the cold season when water freezes.

Jumada al-Thani – Complements the previous month.

Rajab – Another sacred month; means "to respect" or "stop fighting."

Sha’ban – People dispersed for water or resumed fighting.

Ramadan – Derived from "ramdā’" (intense heat); month of fasting.

Shawwal – Camels would lift their tails, indicating they stopped lactating.

Dhu al-Qa’dah – A sacred month when people refrained from war.

Dhu al-Hijjah – Month of Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.