The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar

Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is also known as the Hijri calendar.

• It is a lunar calendar based on the cycle of the moon.

• The Islamic calendar started when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

• It is used by Muslims worldwide to determine the dates of Islamic holidays and important events.

• The calendar consists of 12 lunar months, each of which lasts for approximately 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. This makes the Islamic calendar shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle.

• In Islam, 4 out of the 12 months are sacred months. In these months, Allah Almighty has forbidden going to war unless initiated by the enemy. The reward for good deeds is multiplied immensely, and the punishment for sinful behavior is increased in these months.

  Allah Almighty mentions in the Quran in Surah At-Tawbah, (Chapter 9, verse 36):

  إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًۭا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةًۭ كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةًۭ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ ٣٦

  Translation: Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And fight the polytheists together as they fight together against you. And know that Allah is with those mindful [of Him].

1. Muharram:

   The first month of the Islamic calendar is Muharram. It is a sacred month, and the 10th day, known as Ashura, holds special importance for Muslims.

2. Saf'ar:

   Saf'ar, the second month, is a month of reflection in the Islamic year, and Muslims continue with their daily religious practices, including prayers and other acts of worship.

3. Rab'ee al-Awwal:

   Rabee' al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds special significance in Islam. One of the most significant events associated with Rabee' al-Awwal is the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Islamic tradition holds that the Prophet (SAW) was born on the 12th day of Rabee' al-Awwal. The birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is commemorated with joy and gratitude by Muslims during this month. Various celebrations, gatherings, and events take place where Muslims express their love and admiration for the Prophet (SAW) and reflect on his teachings.

4. Rab'ee al-Thani:

   Rab'ee al-Thani is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar, and Muslims continue with their worship and prayers in this month.

5. Jumada al-Awwal:

   Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Islamic calendar.

6. Jumada al-Thani:

   Jumada al-Thani is the sixth month of the Islamic calendar.

7. Rajab:

   Rajab is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship of Allah Almighty, give charity, and multiply their good deeds in the sacred months.

   Rajab is also known for:

   The Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj):

   • According to Islamic tradition, the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), known as Isra and Mi'raj, took place during the month of Rajab. This event involves the Prophet's (SAW) miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to the heavens. Read more about it here: The Night Journey (Al Isra was Al Mi'rage)

8. Sha'ban:

   Sha'ban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, and it follows the holy month of Rajab and precedes the holy month of Ramadan. In this month, Muslims prepare themselves for the upcoming month of fasting and prayers.

9. Ramadan:

   Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound significance in Islam. Ramadan is best known as the month of fasting, or Sawm, where Muslims abstain from food and drink, smoking, and sinful behaviors from dusk till dawn. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and serves as a means of self-discipline, spiritual purification, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.

10. Shawwal:

    Shawwal is the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, following the holy month of Ramadan. The first day of Shawwal marks the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is a joyous festival commemorating the end of Ramadan. Muslims gather for special prayers, express gratitude to Allah Almighty, and engage in festive activities. It is a day of communal prayers, charity, feasting, and the giving of gifts.

11. Dhul-Qi'dah:

    Dhul Qi'dah is the eleventh month of the Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months. Muslims are encouraged to increase worship and perform more good deeds in the sacred months.

12. Dhul-Hijjah:

    Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a sacred month and holds great significance in Islam, particularly due to the pilgrimage (Hajj) and the celebration of Eid al-Adha. For more on Hajj, please visit https://littleummah.net/hajj

Islamic Calendar Months:

The Islamic Calendar Explained

Please watch our short video to get a brief explanation of the Islamic Year.