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Kashmir Welfare Foundation · —
📅 Today (Hijri): —
📅 —
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.
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 Islamic (Hijri) year is made up of twelve sacred months:
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.
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.
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.
Kashmir Welfare Foundation · —
🗓 Today (Hijri): —
| # | Islamic Month | Gregorian Period | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
Each month in the Hijri calendar reflects a divine rhythm — of mercy, patience, and renewal. Explore the lessons each brings.
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 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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.