Islamic Calendar
Kashmir Welfare Foundation · —
📅 Today (Hijri): —
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Understanding the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar or lunar Islamic calendar, is a 12-month calendar based on the phases of the moon. It is used by Muslims across the world to determine key religious dates such as Ramadan, Hajj, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Each new month begins when the new moon is sighted, meaning the Hijri date can differ by one or two days between countries.
How the Islamic Calendar Works
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar year, the Islamic calendar is purely lunar and contains 354 or 355 days. Because it is shorter than the solar year, Islamic months move around 10–11 days earlier every year. This shifting cycle means that Ramadan and Eid dates occur in different seasons over time, aligning the worship of Muslims with the rhythm of nature and celestial order.
The 12 Islamic Months
The Islamic (Hijri) year is made up of twelve sacred months:
- Muharram – the Month of Reflection and Martyrdom
- Safar – the Month of Trials and Patience
- Rabi’ al-Awwal – the Month of the Prophet’s Birth
- Rabi’ al-Thani – the Month of Growth and Renewal
- Jumada al-Ula – the Month of Strength and Steadfastness
- Jumada al-Akhirah – the Month of Resilience and Faith
- Rajab – the Month of Divine Gifts and Isra & Mi’raj
- Sha’ban – the Month of Forgiveness and Preparation for Ramadan
- Ramadan – the Month of Fasting, Mercy and the Qur’an
- Shawwal – the Month of Renewal after Ramadan
- Dhul Qa’dah – the Month of Rest and Reflection
- Dhul Hijjah – the Month of Pilgrimage (Hajj) and Sacrifice
Why the Hijri Calendar Is Important to Muslims
The Hijri calendar connects Muslims to their faith and history. It marks the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah and serves as a reminder of Islamic heritage and unity. Knowing the current Hijri month helps Muslims plan acts of worship, charity, fasting, and prayer in alignment with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Regional Variation and Moonsighting
Because the Islamic calendar is tied to the sighting of the moon, dates can vary by region. For example, the start of Ramadan or Eid al-Adha may differ by a day or two between the UK, Saudi Arabia, and South Asia. This reflects the diversity and unity of the Muslim Ummah in following the celestial signs of Allah.
Using the Islamic Calendar in the UK
Muslims in the United Kingdom often use verified data from organisations like ISNA and AlAdhan to track Islamic dates accurately. This helps communities align prayer times, Ramadan timetables, and Eid celebrations throughout the year.
Islamic Calendar
Kashmir Welfare Foundation · —
🗓 Today (Hijri): —
| # | Islamic Month | Gregorian Period | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
🗓 The 12 Islamic Calender Months
Each month in the Hijri calendar reflects a divine rhythm — of mercy, patience, and renewal. Explore the lessons each brings.
Muharram مُحَرَّم – The Month of Reflection and Martyrdom
The first month of the Islamic calendar begins with reflection and reverence. Ashura marks the salvation of Prophet Musa (AS) and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) — symbols of truth and sacrifice.
💭 Reflection: Stand firm for truth, even when the world turns away.
Safar صَفَر – The Month of Trials and Patience
Safar teaches that hardship is not misfortune but divine testing. It calls believers to patience, endurance, and reliance upon Allah’s decree.
💭 Reflection: Every hardship carries hidden mercy and wisdom.
Rabi’ al-Awwal رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل – The Month of Light
The month of the Prophet’s birth and Hijrah — a dawn that changed the world with knowledge, compassion, and faith.
💭 Reflection: Follow the Prophet’s example — be a light in darkness.
Rabi’ al-Thani رَبِيع ٱلثَّانِي – The Month of Growth
A time to act upon what we’ve learned. As spring renews the earth, believers renew their hearts through action and humility.
💭 Reflection: Let your faith bloom into service and kindness.
Jamad al-Awwal جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ – The Month of Strength
“Jumada” signifies dryness — yet even in drought, faith endures. It recalls the resilience of the early Muslims in times of trial.
💭 Reflection: Challenges build strength — faith never runs dry.
Jumada al-Thani جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْآخِرَة – The Month of Resilience
Continuing the theme of endurance, this month honours resilience. Fatima (RA)’s passing reminds us that true strength lies in graceful patience.
💭 Reflection: Persevere beautifully — faith thrives through trials.
Rajab رَجَب – The Month of Divine Gifts
A sacred month of purification and reflection. The Isra and Mi’raj — the Prophet’s heavenly ascension — occurred in Rajab, marking Salah as our divine gift.
💭 Reflection: Prayer connects us to the Divine — it is peace in motion.
Sha’ban شَعْبَان – The Month of Forgiveness
The bridge to Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ frequently fasted in Sha’ban, saying, “It is a month many neglect.” A time of cleansing and forgiveness.
💭 Reflection: Before asking for blessings, seek forgiveness.
Ramadan رَمَضَان – The Month of Mercy
The heart of the Islamic year — when fasting purifies and the Qur’an guides. Laylat al-Qadr holds blessings greater than a thousand months.
💭 Reflection: Ramadan fills hearts, not stomachs — renewal through mercy.
Shawwal شَوَّال – The Month of Renewal
Following Ramadan’s devotion, Shawwal renews consistency. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting six days for endless reward.
💭 Reflection: Worship continues beyond Ramadan — keep the light alive.
Dhul Qa’dah ذُو ٱلْقَعْدَة – The Month of Rest and Preparation
A sacred month for peace and pause. The Companions used it to prepare for Hajj — a reminder that reflection fuels readiness.
💭 Reflection: Stillness can be worship — prepare your soul with peace.
Dhul Hijjah ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة – The Month of Pilgrimage and Sacrifice
The year’s final chapter — the days of Hajj and Eid al-Adha. Each Takbir and sacrifice echoes the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
💭 Reflection: Success lies in surrender — give all for Allah’s sake.
Frequently Asked Questions – The Islamic Hijri Calendar
1. What is the Islamic Hijri calendar?
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri or Lunar calendar, is used by Muslims worldwide to determine the dates of religious events and observances. It is based on the moon’s cycles, with each new month beginning when the crescent moon is sighted.
2. What are the 12 Islamic months?
The 12 Hijri months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi Al-Awwal, Rabi Al-Thani, Jamada Al-Awwal, Jamada Al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah.
3. How many days are in the Islamic calendar?
The Hijri calendar has 354 or 355 days. Because lunar months are shorter than solar months, the Islamic year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
4. What is the Umm al-Qura calendar?
The Umm al-Qura calendar is Saudi Arabia’s official Islamic calendar. It is primarily based on astronomical calculations, with the sighting of the moon reserved for key months like Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhul Hijjah.
5. What is the difference between the Umm al-Qura calendar and the traditional Hijri calendar?
The Umm al-Qura calendar uses pre-calculated lunar positions for most months, while the traditional Hijri calendar relies on actual moon sightings for all 12 months. Both aim to preserve the spiritual significance of lunar observance.
6. Why is it called the Hijri calendar?
The name “Hijri” comes from the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. That event marks the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
7. How is a new Islamic month determined?
A new month begins when the crescent moon (hilal) is sighted after sunset. This tradition is confirmed through local moon sighting committees or official Islamic authorities in each country.
8. Why does Ramadan begin on different days in different countries?
Because the sighting of the new moon can vary due to geographical differences and weather conditions, some countries may start Ramadan a day earlier or later than others. This diversity is part of the global Muslim tradition.
9. How does the Islamic year differ from the Gregorian year?
The Islamic year is shorter by about 10 or 11 days, so Islamic months move backward through the seasons over time. For example, Ramadan may fall in summer one year and winter a few years later.
10. What are the most important months in the Islamic calendar?
Ramadan (month of fasting) and Dhul Hijjah (month of Hajj) are among the most significant. Muharram is also sacred, and Rajab and Sha’ban are months of spiritual preparation leading up to Ramadan.
11. What is the purpose of following the lunar calendar in Islam?
Following the lunar calendar connects Muslims directly with natural cycles. It ensures that sacred observances—like fasting, Eid, and Hajj—are determined through signs in creation, reinforcing humility and submission to Allah’s will.
12. How is the Islamic calendar used in daily life?
Muslims use the Hijri calendar to determine dates for fasting, Hajj, Eid celebrations, and other religious observances. It also serves as a reminder of historical Islamic events and the passage of time as a test of faith.
13. How are Islamic dates recorded alongside Gregorian dates?
Many Muslim countries and organisations use dual dating systems, listing both the Hijri and Gregorian dates. This helps synchronise religious observances with civil life while preserving Islamic heritage.
14. Why do some Islamic months vary in length?
Each lunar month can be 29 or 30 days long, depending on the moon’s cycle. The variation ensures that the calendar remains purely lunar, independent of the solar year’s seasonal adjustments.
15. What is the spiritual meaning of the lunar calendar in Islam?
The moon’s cycle reminds Muslims of life’s rhythm, constant renewal, and the balance between light and darkness. Observing it nurtures mindfulness, gratitude, and awareness of Allah’s signs in the natural world.
