The Islamic or Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year, with each month spanning approximately 29 to 30 days. The total number of months in the Hijri calendar is 12, and it is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning at the sighting of the new moon. The Hijri months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal (Rabi’ I), Rabi’ al-Thani (Rabi’ II), Jumada al-Awwal (Jumada I), Jumada al-Thani (Jumada II), Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds significance, particularly for Muslims commemorating the events of the Battle of Karbala. Safar is the second month, and while it is considered a month in which some historical battles occurred, it is not associated with any specific religious observances. Rabi’ al-Awwal, also known as Rabi’ I, is notable as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have been born. Rabi’ al-Thani, or Rabi’ II, follows and does not have specific religious events associated with it.
Jumada al-Awwal (Jumada I) and Jumada al-Thani (Jumada II) are the fifth and sixth months, respectively, with no significant religious events directly linked to them. Rajab is the seventh month and is considered one of the sacred months in Islam. It precedes the month of Sha’ban and is sometimes associated with special prayers and supplications.
Sha’ban is the eighth month and is recognized for the Night of Bara’ah, or Laylat al-Bara’ah, a night when Muslims believe their destinies for the coming year are determined by Allah. Ramadan, the ninth month, is the holiest month in Islam, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and engage in increased prayer and spiritual activities. It concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Shawwal is the tenth month, following Ramadan, and is known for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion marking the end of fasting. Dhu al-Qi’dah is the eleventh month, and Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month in the Hijri calendar. Dhu al-Hijjah is significant for the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, during which Muslims converge in Mecca to perform rituals and demonstrate unity.
The Hijri calendar, being lunar-based, is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. As a result, the Islamic months migrate through the seasons over a 33-year cycle. The determination of the beginning of each month relies on the sighting of the new moon, and there may be variations in its observance based on geographical locations and local practices.
In summary, the Hijri calendar consists of 12 months: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal (Rabi’ I), Rabi’ al-Thani (Rabi’ II), Jumada al-Awwal (Jumada I), Jumada al-Thani (Jumada II), Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. Each month has its own significance, and the Islamic calendar plays a crucial role in determining religious observances and events for Muslims around the world.
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The Hijri or Islamic calendar, introduced by the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab in 638 CE, is a lunisolar calendar based on the cycles of the moon, with each month starting at the first sighting of the new crescent moon. This method of timekeeping has been in use since the early days of Islam and has cultural, religious, and historical significance.
Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar, holds particular importance as it marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is a month of reflection and remembrance, notably observed by Muslims with fasting on the 9th and 10th days, known as the Day of Ashura. The name “Muharram” itself means “forbidden” in Arabic, signifying the sanctity of this month.
Safar, the second month, historically had superstitions associated with it, but Islam rejects such beliefs. It is a month for Muslims to engage in reflection, gratitude, and charitable acts.
Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month, is significant for the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, known as Mawlid al-Nabi. While the exact date of the Prophet’s birth is debated, Muslims use this month to commemorate his life and teachings.
Rabi’ al-Thani follows, and although it doesn’t have specific religious events tied to it, Muslims continue their daily religious practices and observances.
Jumada al-Awwal and Jumada al-Thani, the fifth and sixth months, respectively, are also without distinct religious events but serve as periods for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Rajab, the seventh month, is considered sacred, and in pre-Islamic times, it was a month when Arab tribes would refrain from engaging in battles. It is known as “Rajab al-Murajab,” a month respected among Muslims, with the Night of Isra and Mi’raj, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to the heavens, falling in this month.
Sha’ban, the eighth month, precedes the holy month of Ramadan. It is a month of preparation, and on the 15th night of Sha’ban, Muslims observe Laylat al-Bara’ah, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
Ramadan, the ninth month, is a focal point of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of fasting, increased prayer, reflection, and charity. The end of Ramadan is marked by the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a day of festivity and gratitude.
Shawwal, the tenth month, follows Ramadan, and Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the first day of Shawwal. It is a day of joy, communal prayers, and sharing meals with family and friends.
Dhu al-Qi’dah, the eleventh month, is part of the sacred months in Islam, during which conflicts were historically discouraged. While it doesn’t have specific religious events, Muslims continue their daily religious practices.
Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month, is the month of pilgrimage. It is during Dhu al-Hijjah that the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca takes place, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Adha. The Hajj is a significant pillar of Islam, and millions of Muslims from around the world converge in Mecca to fulfill this obligation.
The Hijri calendar, with its lunar nature, spans approximately 354 or 355 days in a year, making it shorter than the solar-based Gregorian calendar. This results in the Islamic months rotating through the seasons over a 33-year cycle. The reliance on lunar sightings for determining the start of each month adds a visual and communal aspect to timekeeping, as communities come together to observe the new moon.
The Hijri calendar is not only a tool for marking time but also a symbol of the rich Islamic heritage and a means for Muslims to connect with their religious obligations and traditions. Its observance underscores the cyclical nature of Islamic rituals and provides a framework for spiritual and communal activities throughout the year.