Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially declared that the beginning of Muharram 1446 AH will commence on Sunday, July 7. This decision came after the crescent moon was not sighted in the Kingdom on Friday evening, July 5. As a result, Saturday, July 6, will be recognized as the final day of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
First Muharram 2024 in Saudi Arabia
According to SPA, the Supreme Court stated, “The Crescent Sighting Committee of the Supreme Court has determined that Saturday, July 6, 2024 AD, will mark the completion of the month of Dhul Hijjah for the year 1445 AH, corresponding to 30/12/1445 AH in the Umm Al Qura calendar. Consequently, Sunday, July 7, 2024 AD, will be the first day of the month of Muharram for the year 1446 AH, corresponding to 1/1/1446 AH in the Umm Al Qura calendar.”
Muharram Holiday in UAE
Earlier, the UAE had announced that July 7 would be observed as a paid holiday across both public and private sectors to commemorate the New Hijri Year (1446 AH).