What is the Hijri Calendar?
The Hijri Calendar (التقويم الهجري) is the official Islamic lunar calendar used by Muslims worldwide to determine dates for religious observances such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Hajj, and Islamic New Year. It begins with the Hijra — the migration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which marks the start of the Islamic era (Year 1 AH — After Hijra).
As of 2025–2026 CE, we are living in the year **1447 AH**. The calendar was formally established by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) in consultation with the Companions, who chose the Hijra as the starting point because it represented the birth of the first Muslim society.
Structure of the Hijri Calendar
The Hijri year consists of **12 lunar months** and is approximately **354 or 355 days** long — about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year (365/366 days). This is why Islamic months “move” through the seasons over a 33-year cycle.
Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). A month can be 29 or 30 days depending on the visibility of the moon.
The 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar
1. Muharram – The Sacred New Year
The first month and one of the four sacred months. The 1st of Muharram marks the Islamic New Year. The 10th is **Ashura**, a highly recommended day of fasting.
2. Safar
The second month. The Prophet ﷺ cleared many pre-Islamic superstitions associated with this month.
3. Rabi‘ al-Awwal
The month of the Prophet’s ﷺ birth and migration (Hijra). Many Muslims celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi on the 12th.
7. Rajab – A Sacred Month
One of the four sacred months where fighting is forbidden. It serves as preparation for Sha‘ban and Ramadan.
8. Sha‘ban
The Prophet ﷺ fasted much of this month to prepare for Ramadan. The 15th is known as Laylat al-Bara’ah (Night of Emancipation) by many Muslims.
9. Ramadan – The Month of Mercy
The holiest month. Fasting is obligatory, and Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) falls in the last ten nights.
10. Shawwal
The month of Eid al-Fitr. Fasting six days of Shawwal (after Eid) carries the reward of fasting an entire year.
12. Dhul Hijjah – The Month of Hajj
The most sacred month after Ramadan. The first ten days are the best days of the year. The 9th is Arafah, and the 10th is Eid al-Adha.
The Four Sacred Months
Allah mentions in the Quran (9:36) four sacred months in which sins are more severe and good deeds are greatly rewarded: **Dhul Qa‘dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab**.
Why Ramadan Moves Each Year
Because the Hijri year is shorter, Ramadan arrives about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Over approximately 33 years, it cycles through all seasons, allowing Muslims to experience fasting in both short winter days and long summer days.
Convert Dates Easily
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May Allah bless us to witness many more Hijri years filled with faith and good deeds. Ameen.