What is the Hijri Calendar?
The Hijri calendar (التقويم الهجري) is the Islamic lunar calendar. Year 1 AH (After Hijra) marks the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. As of 2025 CE, we are in the year 1447 AH.
How is it Structured?
The Hijri year has 354 to 355 days — approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). This is why Islamic events like Ramadan and Eid rotate through all seasons over roughly 33 years.
The 12 Months
- Muharram — Sacred month; the Islamic New Year begins on 1 Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi' al-Awwal — Month of the Prophet's ﷺ birth (12th); Mawlid al-Nabi
- Rabi' al-Thani
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani
- Rajab — Sacred month; Isra' and Mi'raj on 27th
- Sha'ban — Month of preparation; the Prophet ﷺ fasted frequently in Sha'ban
- Ramadan ⭐ — Month of fasting; Laylat al-Qadr in the last 10 nights
- Shawwal — Eid al-Fitr on 1st Shawwal; fasting 6 days is highly recommended
- Dhul Qa'dah — Sacred month; Hajj preparation begins
- Dhul Hijjah — Month of Hajj; best 10 days of the year; Eid al-Adha on 10th
The Four Sacred Months
Allah mentions four sacred (Hurum) months in the Quran (9:36): Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. Sins in these months are considered more grave, and good deeds more rewarding.
Why Does Ramadan Move Each Year?
Because the Hijri year is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan begins about 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Over 33 years, Ramadan completes a full cycle through all seasons.
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