Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - Friday December 18, marks the Islamic New Year's Day, according to the National Hilal Committee. A statement issued in Accra by Sheikh Abdul Kadir Lomotey-Tagoe, Acting Chairman of the Committee said the day of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram would fall on Sunday, December 27.

It said in accordance with the actual sighting of the crescent of Zul Hijja 1430 AH, which was spotted around sunset of Wednesday November 18, the Thursday, November 19, becomes the first day of the Zul Hijja 1430 AH, the new crescent for Muharram 1431 AH.

This is the beginning of the Islamic new year sighted around sunset on Thursday, December 17, hence the Islamic New year's Day 1431 will be Friday December 18.

"The National Hilal Committee wishes Muslims a Happy and Prosperous Islamic New Year, "the statement added.