The Islamic Calendar, also known as the Hijri Calendar, consists of 12 lunar months. Muslims worldwide follow this calendar for Islamic events, religious obligations, fasting, Hajj, Eid, and many significant occasions.
What is the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar?
The Hijri calendar is a purely lunar calendar consisting of 12 months and 354–355 days.
It began in the year 622 CE, the year when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated from Makkah to Madinah (Hijrah).
Muslims use this calendar to determine:
- Ramadan fasting
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Hajj
- Ashura
- Islamic dates & events
12 Islamic Months Names (With Meanings)
| Number | Islamic Month | Arabic Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muharram | مُحَرَّم | Sacred month |
| 2 | Safar | صَفَر | Empty or yellow |
| 3 | Rabi al-Awwal | رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل | First spring |
| 4 | Rabi al-Thani | رَبِيع ٱلثَّانِي | Second spring |
| 5 | Jumada al-Awwal | جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ | First dry month |
| 6 | Jumada al-Thani | جُمَادَىٰ ٱلثَّانِيَة | Second dry month |
| 7 | Rajab | رَجَب | Honored / respected |
| 8 | Sha’ban | شَعْبَان | Scattered / spread |
| 9 | Ramadan | رَمَضَان | Burning heat / fasting month |
| 10 | Shawwal | شَوَّال | Raised / uplifted |
| 11 | Dhul Qadah | ذُو ٱلْقَعْدَة | Month of resting |
| 12 | Dhul Hijjah | ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة | Month of Hajj |
Detailed Explanation of All Islamic Months
1. Muharram (The Sacred Month)
- One of the 4 sacred months in Islam.
- The 10th of Muharram is Ashura.
- Important historical events took place in this month.
2. Safar
- Considered a month of trials in pre-Islamic Arabia, but Islam removed all superstitions.
- Means “empty” because houses were deserted due to travel.
3. Rabi al-Awwal
- Month of birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Many Islamic scholars celebrate Seerah in this month.
4. Rabi al-Thani
- Known as second spring.
- Used for religious gatherings and learning.
5. Jumada al-Awwal
- Name points to dryness or coldness.
- Many early Islamic battles took place.
6. Jumada al-Thani
- Also a month relating to dryness or frozen water.
- Used for traveling and trade historically.
7. Rajab
- A sacred month.
- Known for increased worship.
- Rajab marks the month before Shaban and Ramadan preparation begins.
8. Sha’ban
- The month before Ramadan.
- The Prophet ﷺ used to fast a lot in Sha’ban.
- Contains Shab-e-Barat (15th night), observed by many Muslims.
9. Ramadan (Month of Fasting)
The holiest month for Muslims.
Key features:
- Fasting from dawn to sunset
- Quran was revealed in this month
- Contains Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)
10. Shawwal
- Begins with Eid al-Fitr
- Sunnah to fast 6 days of Shawwal
11. Dhul Qadah
- Sacred month
- Traditionally a month of peace and travel
12. Dhul Hijjah
- Month of Hajj pilgrimage
- Contains Day of Arafah
- Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah
Importance of the Hijri Calendar
- All Islamic acts of worship depend on it
- Not based on seasons, only moon cycles
- Teaches Muslims discipline & unity
- Helps preserve Islamic identity
