Complete guide to the Islamic lunar calendar with all 12 months, important dates, and religious significance. Never miss another Islamic event or holy day.
Current Hijri Year: 1446 AH (2025 CE)
The Islamic calendar follows lunar months of 29-30 days each
مُحَرَّم
Sacred month, Day of Ashura (10th)
صَفَر
Month of travel and migration
رَبِيع الْأَوَّل
Birth month of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
رَبِيع الثَّانِي
Second spring month
جُمَادَىٰ الْأُولَىٰ
Dry month, little rain
جُمَادَىٰ الثَّانِي
Second dry month
رَجَب
Sacred month, month of honor
شَعْبَان
Month of separation, preparation for Ramadan
رَمَضَان
Holy month of fasting
شَوَّال
Month of hunting, Eid celebrations
ذُو الْقِعْدَة
Sacred month, month of rest
ذُو الْحِجَّة
Sacred month of pilgrimage
Marks the beginning of the Hijri year, commemorating Prophet's migration to Medina
Reflection on the Hijra and new beginnings
Day of fasting and remembrance, significant for multiple historical events
Moses crossing the Red Sea, Noah leaving the ark
Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birth and life
Remembering the Prophet's teachings and character
Night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad
Establishment of five daily prayers
Night of forgiveness and blessings
Seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy
Month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection
Purification of soul and increased devotion
Night of Power when Quran was first revealed
Night better than 1000 months
Festival celebrating end of Ramadan fasting
Joy, gratitude, and community celebration
Main day of Hajj pilgrimage
Day of forgiveness and mercy for all Muslims
Festival of sacrifice commemorating Abraham's devotion
Sacrifice and submission to Allah
Based on moon phases, not sun
Each month is 29 or 30 days
Year is about 354 days (11 days shorter)
Mentioned in Quran as divine timekeeping
Used since Prophet Muhammad's time
Moon visibility determines month start
يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ ۖ قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ
"They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are time indicators for people and for Hajj." - Quran 2:189
The Islamic year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so Islamic dates shift earlier each year. This ensures Islamic months experience all seasons over time.
Traditionally, the new month begins when the new crescent moon is sighted. Some communities use astronomical calculations, while others rely on physical moon sighting.
AH stands for "Anno Hegirae" (Latin) or "After Hijra", marking years since Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which began the Islamic calendar.
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