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Rabat – Morocco announced that the beginning of the Islamic New Year will be on Wednesday, following the official sighting of the crescent moon.
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs confirmed the date on Monday after it said the crescent moon for Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, was not visible.
The announcement establishes Wednesday as the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Thus, Wednesday, will be a public holiday for employees and administrative offices.
With this, Morocco enters the year 1448 AH, ushering in a new cycle in the Hijri calendar observed by Muslims worldwide.
In its statement, the ministry extended its congratulations and good wishes to the Moroccan people and the royal family, noting the importance of the occasion in the religious calendar.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, traces back to the migration of the Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This event, known as the Hijra, marks the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
Unlike other major religious celebrations, the Islamic New Year is generally observed with reflection rather than large public festivities.
For many, the day serves as a moment to look back on the past year and consider the one ahead within a spiritual mindset.
As Muharram begins, attention will gradually turn to Ashura, observed on the tenth day of the month, which carries cultural and religious significance across Morocco.
