Islamic New Year 1448 Date Nears Confirmation

Astronomical calculations indicate that the Islamic New Year 1448 will begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Egypt's National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics announced that the new moon for Muharram 1448 was born shortly after conjunction at 5:56 AM Cairo time on Monday, June 15, 2026. The crescent is expected to be visible for about 40 minutes in Mecca after sunset.

In Tunisia, the official date will be determined by the sighting of the lunar crescent after sunset on Monday. The Mufti of the Republic will announce the official date for the Hijri New Year. The Presidency of the Government has stated that public sector employees will receive a day off for the holiday, either on June 16 or 17, depending on the official announcement.

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar. It commemorates the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, a pivotal event that established the Islamic calendar.