What is the Hijri Calendar?
The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar or the Muslim calendar, is a purely lunar calendar consisting of 12 months. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, the Hijri calendar follows the cycles of the moon, making it approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year.
Historical Background
The Hijri calendar was established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) in 638 CE, approximately six years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The calendar begins its count from the year of the Hijra (migration) - when Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
This migration marked a turning point in Islamic history, as it established the first Muslim community and state. The year 622 CE corresponds to 1 AH (After Hijra) in the Islamic calendar.
The 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar
1. Muharram (محرم)
Significance: Muharram is the first month and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) is observed by Muslims worldwide.
Important Dates: 1st Muharram (Islamic New Year), 10th Muharram (Day of Ashura)
2. Safar (صفر)
Significance: The second month of the Islamic calendar. Historically, some pre-Islamic Arabs considered this month unlucky, but Islam teaches that no time is inherently unlucky.
3. Rabi' al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
Significance: The third month, known as the "First Spring." This month is particularly significant as it is believed to be the month when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born.
Important Dates: 12th Rabi' al-Awwal (Mawlid an-Nabi - Prophet's Birthday, celebrated by many Muslims)
4. Rabi' al-Thani (ربيع الثاني)
Significance: The fourth month, also known as "Second Spring."
5. Jumada al-Awwal (جمادى الأول)
Significance: The fifth month, meaning "First Freezing."
6. Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الثاني)
Significance: The sixth month, meaning "Second Freezing."
7. Rajab (رجب)
Significance: The seventh month and one of the four sacred months. The 27th night of Rajab is believed to be the Night of Ascension (Isra and Mi'raj).
Important Dates: 27th Rajab (Laylat al-Mi'raj - Night Journey and Ascension)
8. Sha'ban (شعبان)
Significance: The eighth month, which precedes Ramadan. The 15th night of Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah) is considered a blessed night.
Important Dates: 15th Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah - Night of Forgiveness)
9. Ramadan (رمضان)
Significance: The ninth and most sacred month, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The Quran was first revealed during this month.
Important Dates: 1st Ramadan (Beginning of fasting), 27th Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr - Night of Power, though the exact date is debated), Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal)
Practices: Fasting (Sawm), increased prayer, Quran recitation, charity (Zakat al-Fitr)
10. Shawwal (شوال)
Significance: The tenth month, beginning with Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.
Important Dates: 1st Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr - Festival of Breaking the Fast)
11. Dhu al-Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)
Significance: The eleventh month and one of the four sacred months. It is the month before Hajj.
12. Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
Significance: The twelfth and final month, one of the four sacred months. It contains the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
Important Dates: 8th-13th Dhu al-Hijjah (Days of Hajj), 9th Dhu al-Hijjah (Day of Arafah), 10th Dhu al-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha - Festival of Sacrifice)
The Four Sacred Months
In Islam, four months are considered sacred: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. During these months, warfare was traditionally forbidden, and good deeds carry greater reward.
Key Differences from the Gregorian Calendar
- Length: The Hijri year is approximately 354-355 days, while the Gregorian year is 365-366 days.
- Basis: Hijri is lunar-based (follows moon cycles), Gregorian is solar-based (follows sun cycles).
- Starting Point: Hijri begins with the migration (Hijra) in 622 CE, Gregorian begins with the birth of Jesus (estimated).
- Month Length: Hijri months alternate between 29 and 30 days based on moon sightings, while Gregorian months have fixed lengths (28-31 days).
Important Islamic Dates and Holidays
- 1st Muharram: Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- 10th Muharram: Day of Ashura
- 12th Rabi' al-Awwal: Mawlid an-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
- 27th Rajab: Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey)
- 15th Sha'ban: Laylat al-Bara'ah
- Ramadan: Month of fasting
- 27th Ramadan: Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)
- 1st Shawwal: Eid al-Fitr
- 9th Dhu al-Hijjah: Day of Arafah
- 10th Dhu al-Hijjah: Eid al-Adha
How the Hijri Calendar is Used Today
While many Muslim-majority countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes, the Hijri calendar remains essential for:
- Determining Islamic holidays and festivals
- Calculating prayer times
- Determining the start and end of Ramadan
- Scheduling Hajj pilgrimage
- Calculating Zakat (obligatory charity)
- Determining Islamic months for religious observances
Conclusion
The Hijri calendar is more than just a timekeeping system; it is a fundamental aspect of Islamic identity and practice. Understanding the Hijri calendar helps Muslims maintain their religious obligations and connect with the rich history and traditions of Islam. Whether you're planning for Ramadan, preparing for Hajj, or simply wanting to understand Islamic culture, familiarity with the Hijri calendar is essential.