Hilal Council of America

NIC is leading a national initiative to develop and implement a unified syllabus for Sunday Islamic Schools. This section will showcase the educational vision of NIC, ongoing curriculum development, and how member Imams are expected to adopt the syllabus in their respective Islamic centers to ensure consistency and quality.

Official Announcement Regarding the Beginning of Dhul-Hajjah 1446H

Following our earlier discussions this month regarding moonsighting, the Imam Council had not yet issued an official position. However, based on astronomical data and our internal deliberations, we can now confirm the following:
The new moon (conjunction) occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 6:02 AM Makkah time. At the time of sunset in Makkah on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (7:00 PM local time), the moon was approximately 13 hours old.
Similarly, according to Khalid Shaukat’s Moonsighting.com project, the moon of Dhul-Hajjah is expected to be easily visible in North America, as the moon will be approximately 21 hours old.
Given this, and considering the official moonsighting announcement from the authorities in Saudi Arabia, England, and other countries, we align with their declaration and announce that:

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, will mark the first day of Dhul-Hajjah 1446H.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, will correspond to the 9th of Dhul-Hajjah, the Day of Arafah.
Friday, June 6, 2025, will be the 10th of Dhul-Hajjah, the day of Eid al-Adah.
We extend our heartfelt Eid Mubarak to all. May Allah accept your worship and sacrifices during these blessed days.

Manzar ul Islam al-Azhari
Head USCM
National Imam Council
Date: May 27, 2025
Ref: 1446-DU/01

Official Announcement: Commencement of Muharram al-Haram 1447 AH

The National Imam Council of America (NICA) hereby announces that Thursday, June 26, 2025, will be the first day of Muharram al-Haram 1447 Hijri, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year.
This decision is made in accordance with our established moon-sighting criteria, which confirm the start of a new month when the crescent moon is visible anywhere in the world, even with the aid of optical instruments. Based on astronomical data:

The New Moon (conjunction) occurred on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:31 UTC (6:31 AM EDT / 3:31 AM PDT).
By sunset in Los Angeles, the Moon will be over 16 hours old.
According to Moonsighting.com, regions in the western United States, including California and Nevada, fall within the zone of possible crescent visibility using optical aids under favorable weather conditions.

Considering these findings, the Council affirms the beginning of Muharram and encourages the community to reflect upon the sacredness of this month.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the Ummah of Islam on the arrival of the new Hijri year and pray for a year of peace, protection, spiritual growth, and collective well-being.
Manzar ul Islam al-Azhari
Head USCM
National Imam Council
Date: June 25, 2025
Ref: 1447-MH/01

Official Announcement: Commencement of Safar 1447 AH

The National Imam Council of America (NICA) hereby announces that Saturday, July 26, 2025, will be the first day of Safar 1447 Hijri.
This determination follows the completion of 30 days of Muharram, in line with the Prophetic instruction to complete the preceding month when the new crescent is not sighted.
According to astronomical data, the conjunction (new moon) occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 22:54 UTC (6:54 PM EDT). However, based on global moon sighting forecasts, crescent visibility was impossible anywhere in the world on the evening of July 24, due to the moon’s low age, altitude, and lack of illumination. As a result, the month of Muharram will continue for 30 days, and Safar will commence on Saturday.
This announcement follows NICA’s established criteria, which accept verified global sightings of the crescent moon, including those aided by optical instruments, and informed by reliable astronomical data.
Manzar ul Islam al-Azhari
Head USCM
National Imam Council
Date: July 25, 2025
Ref: 1447-SF/01