Understanding the Islamic Calendar or Hijri Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar used by Muslims worldwide to determine the dates of religious observances and events. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year, the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year. The Hijri calendar is widely used in Muslim countries and by Muslims worldwide for religious holidays and other Islamic events. The Hijri calendar was first introduced by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Second Caliph, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, in 638 AD and the islamic years are counted from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is a reminder of the importance of time and how it should be used in the service of God. The Islamic calendar is not only a tool for determining dates, but it also serves as a way to connect Muslims with their spiritual and cultural heritage.

One of the key features of the Islamic calendar is that it is a purely lunar calendar, meaning that it is not synchronized with the solar calendar used in the Western world. This means that the months of the Islamic calendar do not have a fixed number of days, and can vary in length from 29 to 30 days.

Another important aspect of the Islamic calendar is that it is a purely Islamic calendar, with no secular or national events marked on it. Instead, the calendar is primarily used to determine the dates of Islamic religious observances, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

The Importance of the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar plays a crucial role in the lives of Muslims around the world. It is used to determine the dates of important religious observances, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and is also used to determine the dates of important historical events in Islamic history.

In addition to its religious significance, the Islamic calendar is also important for cultural and social reasons. Many Muslim communities use the calendar to plan events and activities, and it is often used as a reference point for important dates in the Muslim community.

The Structure of the Islamic Calendar

The calendar year is 354 or 355 days long, which means that it is 11 or 12 days shorter than the solar year. This means that Islamic dates shift about 11 days earlier each year.

Islamic or Arabic Months in Arabic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is made up of 12 months, each of which is based on the cycles of the moon. The months of the Islamic calendar are:

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi' al-awwal
4. Rabi' al-thani
5. Jumada al-awwal
6. Jumada al-thani
7. Rajab
8. Sha'ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhu al-Qi'dah
12. Dhu al-Hijjah

Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, and the Islamic calendar is adjusted each year to account for the discrepancy between the lunar and solar calendars.

The Significance of the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is of great significance to Muslims around the world. It is used to determine the dates of important religious observances, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and is also used to determine the dates of important historical events in Islamic history.

In addition to its religious significance, the Islamic calendar also plays an important role in Muslim communities around the world. It is used to plan events and activities, and is often used as a reference point for important dates in the Muslim community.

Islamic/Hijri Calendar Calculation Method

The Islamic calendar is based on the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning and end of each month. The Islamic months start with the sighting of the new crescent moon. The calendar is determined by the Islamic Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia, which uses astronomical calculations to determine the dates of the lunar months.

Important Months in Islamic Calendar

One of the most important months in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, which is the month of fasting. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as iftar, and the day is typically begun with a pre-dawn meal known as suhoor.

Another significant month in the Islamic calendar is Rabi' al-awwal, the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born. This month is considered very holy and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

How to find Current Islamic Month?

Are you curious about which Islamic month we are currently in? Keeping track of the Islamic months and important dates can be made easier by following an Islamic calendar - above is the current month's Islamic Calendar.