Saudi Arabia Muharram Moon Sighting 2026 Confirmed
If you are searching for the moon sighting of Muharram in Saudi Arabia, it may be because you are waiting for the official announcement of the start of the Islamic New Year or the 1st of Muharram 1448 AH. Muharram is the first, important Islamic month.
In this article, we will talk about the probable date, sighting, announcement, Ashura Day, and Muharram month in Saudi Arabia for Muslims in 2026.
Date of the Moon Sighting of Muharram in Saudi Arabia 2026
According to astronomical calculations, the new moon of Muharram 1448 AH will be born:
- New Moon Birth: June 15, 2026
- Likely 1st Muharram 1448 AH: June 16, 2026
- Likely 1st Muharram 1448 AH: June 16, 2026
- Islamic New Year 2026: Evening of June 16, 2026
But we have to remember that the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia will be done by astronomical calculations and sighting of the moon. So, we need to wait for announcements from Saudi Arabia.
When will the Muharram Moon be Sighted in Saudi Arabia?
When Sighted by Saudi Arabia:
- On the 29th of Dhul Hijjah,
- via the Saudi Supreme Court,
- through the official news and religious authorities
- Via official news channels and religious authorities
The same is done for:
- Ramadan Moon Sighting
- Eid-ul-Fitr Announcement
- Eid-ul-Adha Announcement
- Hajj Date Confirmation
Saudi announce citizens should be alert to observe the moon and to notify the committees.
When confirmed, Saudi Arabia announces:
- 1st Muharram
- Islamic New Year
- Ashura Date
Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia is done by the traditional method of moon sighting, which is in three steps.
Visual Crescent Observation
Saudi Arabian people look for the crescent:
- After sunset
- On 29th Dhul Hijjah
- From different locations
The fact that the moon was sighted several times meant that lots of people gathered in different locations.
Reports Submitted
On seeing the moon, people report it to:
- Local courts
- Moon sighting committees
- Religious authorities
These are reviewed prior to a declaration.
Official Confirmation
When this is complete, the Saudi Supreme Court declares:
- Start of Muharram
- Islamic New Year
- Ashura Date
This generates religious accuracy and consistency in Saudi Arabia.
Muharram Moon-Sighting
Muharram is one of the sacred months of Islam. Muharram sees the start of:
- Islamic New Year
- Start of Muharram fasting
- Preparation for Ashura
- Religious reflection and prayer
The entire Muslim world follows Saudi Arabia because it has:
- Makkah
- Madinah
These are holy cities and Saudi Arabia adheres to the Islamic calendar.
Previous Moon-Sighting in Saudi Arabia
These may be a good indication of Islamic dates in previous years.
For example, in 2025:
- Moon sighted: June 25, 2025
- 1st Muharram began: June 26, 2025
- Ashura observed: July 5, 2025
It shows that the Islamic date is different in different places depending on the sighting of the moon.
How do Saudis celebrate Muharram?
Muharram is a memorable day in Saudi Arabia. Muslims engage in:
Religious Activities
- Fasting on 9th & 10th of Muharram
- Offering prayers
- Giving charity
- Quran recitation
- Seeking forgiveness
Time for improvement on Muharram
Countries That Follow Saudi Arabia for Muharram
Countries follow Saudi Arabia for Muharram:
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Some European countries
But some countries use local sighting:
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Morocco
How to be Updated on the Moon Sighting of Muharram
You can get your information from:
- Saudi Supreme Court announcements
- Official Saudi news channels
- Islamic calendar websites
- Mosques and Islamic centers
It is announced after sunset of the 29th of Dhul Hijjah.
Read Also: Sacred Months in Islam Explained (Names + Rules)
FAQs
When is Muharram 2026 in Saudi Arabia?
The Moharram 1448 AH will probably begin on June 16, 2026 (along with the sighting).
When is the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia?
It will be sighted on June 15, 2026, after Maghrib.
When is Ashura in Saudi Arabia 2026?
Ashura will be on June 25, 2026 (after the sighting).
When does Muharram start in Saudi Arabia?
Moon sighting is announced by the Saudi Supreme Court.
Final Words
Moon sighting in 2026 for Muharram in Saudi Arabia will most likely be June 15, 2026, and the 1st of Muharram will be June 16, 2026. However, Muslims should follow the announcement in Saudi Arabia, which will declare the Islamic New Year.
Muharram is a time of spirituality. Maybe you may do Siyam (fast), Salah (pray), and Meditation, it is a new year for progress, good luck, and good fortune ahead.
