The Months of the Hijri Year
Hijri/Islamic (Lunar) Calendar:
The Hijri/Islamic calendar consists of 12 months. It began in the 7th century AD, on June 28, 623 CE, commemorating an important event—the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, from Mecca to Medina.
There are several differences between the Gregorian calendar and the Hijri calendar. For example, the Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth's rotation around the Sun, while the Hijri calendar is based on the Earth's rotation around the Moon.
The Gregorian calendar contains 365-366 days in a year, whereas the Hijri calendar contains 354-355 days in a year. This happens because a Hijri year consists of months ranging between 29 and 30 days, while a Gregorian year typically has months ranging between 30 and 31 days.
Hijri Months and Their Dates
| Name | Time According to the Gregorian Calendar | Hijri Month in Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| Muharram | (Jun-Jul 2025) | Muharram |
| Safar | (Jul-Aug 2025) | Safar |
| Rabi Al Awwal | (Aug-Sep 2025) | Rabi' al-Awwal |
| Rabi Al Thani | (Sep-Oct 2025) | Rabi' al-Thani |
| Jumada Al Oula | (Oct-Nov 2025) | Jumada al-Awwal |
| Jumada Al Akhira | (Nov-Dec 2025) | Jumada al-Thaniyah |
| Rajab | (Dec 2025-Jan 2026) | Rajab |
| Shaban | (Jan-Feb 2026) | Sha'ban |
| Ramadan | (Feb-Mar 2026) | Ramadan |
| Shawwal | (Mar-Apr 2026) | Shawwal |
| Dhul Qidah | (Apr-May 2026) | Dhu al-Qi'dah |
| Dhul Hijjah | (May-Jun 2026) | Dhu al-Hijjah |
1- Muharram
Muharram is the first month in the Hijri calendar and is celebrated by Muslims around the world as the Islamic New Year.
Muharram was established as the first month in the Islamic calendar by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. Muharram is considered a sacred month and coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.
2- Safar
The month of Safar is the second month in the Hijri calendar. This month is one of the months named Safar, and the word 'Safar' in Arabic means empty or void. In Arab culture, the name of this month reminds the youth of the need to embark on journeys and adventures far from their hometowns.
From Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'There is no contagion, no omen, no evil, and no Safar. Avoid leprosy as you avoid a lion.' (Narrated by Bukhari).
3- Rabi' al-Awwal
The third month in the Hijri calendar is Rabi' al-Awwal. This month marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Rabi' al-Awwal symbolizes the return of the youth from their journeys to their hometowns.
'It is the day I was born, the day I was appointed as a prophet, and the day the first verses of the Quran were revealed to me.' (Narrated by Muslim)
This is a hadith in which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes that the day of his birth is the same day he was appointed as a prophet, and it is also the day the first verses of the Quran were revealed to him.
4- Rabi' al-Thani
The fourth month in the Hijri calendar is Rabi' al-Thani. During this time, the youth participate in activities such as herding camels and sheep upon their return from travel.
5- Jumada al-Awwal
The fifth month in the Hijri calendar is Jumada al-Awwal. It marks the beginning of the dry season, during which many lands become dry, requiring great efforts for farming.
6- Jumada al-Thani
The sixth month in the Hijri calendar is Jumada al-Thani. It is the month of welcoming the new crescent, symbolizing the end of the difficult times people experienced in the previous month, such as the dry season.
7- Rajab
The seventh month in the Hijri calendar is Rajab. This month carries the meaning of beginning or abstaining. Rajab is a special month due to an important event, which is the Isra and Mi'raj (the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). It is believed that Rajab, being the seventh month of the lunar calendar, holds a special sanctity and virtue.
8- Sha'ban
The month of Sha'ban is the eighth month in the Hijri calendar. It is considered an important month for Muslims, as the doors of mercy and blessings are opened, sins are forgiven, and good deeds are multiplied. Sha'ban is seen as an opportunity for repentance and spiritual preparation for the arrival of Ramadan, through voluntary fasting, reading the Quran, engaging in remembrance (dhikr), and giving charity.
9- Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Hijri calendar. Ramadan is one of the most important and significant months in Islam. It is considered a time to strengthen worship and draw closer to Allah. During Ramadan, the night known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) occurs, which has immense reward and value. Muslims make great efforts to perform I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) in mosques, seeking blessings and forgiveness.
The month of Ramadan is mentioned in the Quran in the verse: &aos;The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.&aos; (Al-Baqarah: 185)
10- Shawwal
The month of Shawwal is the tenth in the Hijri calendar. It comes after the month of Ramadan, and during this month, fasting six days is a recommended practice in Islam, known as the fasting of the 'Six White Days' of Shawwal.
Some Muslims also fast extra days during the month of Shawwal, which is a commendable practice that brings additional rewards from Allah. Additionally, Umrah can be performed during this month, as it is considered an ideal time for visiting the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca.
In summary, the month of Shawwal is a special time following Ramadan in the Hijri calendar, considered a period of joy and celebration of Eid al-Fitr, along with continuing voluntary fasting and performing Umrah.
11- Dhu al-Qi'dah
Dhu al-Qi'dah is the eleventh month in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the sacred months, followed by the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is famous for the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage. During this month, Muslims engage in increased acts of worship and obedience, such as prayer, fasting, and reading the Qur'an. This month is held in special regard and respect in the Islamic world, and Muslims strive to benefit from its virtues and draw closer to Allah during it.
12- Dhu al-Hijjah
Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar. It is an important month for Muslims, as it coincides with the Hajj season and the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The month of Dhu al-Hijjah is an important opportunity to draw closer to Allah through acts of worship and obedience, as well as to express solidarity, gratitude, and joy.
Muslims gather to perform the Hajj, which is obligatory for every adult Muslim who is capable. After the days of Hajj, comes the blessed Eid al-Adha, a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims around the world through the sacrifice of animals and the distribution of meat to the poor and needy.