Thematic exploration: the months of the Muslim calendar
The Muslim calendar is a lunar dating system used by Muslims worldwide. It consists of 12 months, each beginning with the appearance of the new moon.
The months are Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Four of these months are considered sacred: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. Wars are forbidden during them. Ramadan is the month of fasting and the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (Laylat al-Qadr).
Dhu al-Hijjah hosts the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) and the Eid al-Adha festival.
The Muslim year, about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, follows a 30-year lunar cycle. We are currently in the years 1443, 1444, and 1445 of the Hijra.
Let's discover the meanings and traditions related to this ancient and rich calendar. Its historical importance is reflected in the celebrations and religious events that mark it.
Key points to remember
- The Muslim calendar is a lunar calendar composed of 12 months that follow the phases of the moon. The months are Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Each month has a special meaning, with important religious events such as Ramadan (fasting), Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (festival of sacrifice), Mawlid an-Nabî (Prophet's birthday), and Ashura (martyrdom of Imam Hussein).
- The Muslim calendar follows a perpetual cycle based on the observation of the new moon. The year 1443 corresponds to 2022, 1444 to 2023, and 1445 to 2024 in the Gregorian calendar.
- Sacred festivals punctuate the calendar, marking the spiritual life of Muslims such as the Night of Destiny, the pilgrimage to Mecca, and family celebrations.
- The importance of respecting the Hijri calendar to preserve the authenticity of Islamic rituals and the unity of the Muslim community.
What is the Muslim calendar?
The Muslim calendar, or Hijri calendar, is a type of lunar calendar. It is governed by the phases of the moon, with months beginning at the appearance of the new moon.
The Hijri calendar is a chronology system based on the lunar cycle. The phases of the moon, more precisely the new moons, mark the beginning of each month.
Origin and functioning
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar phases. Based on new moon observation, it governs the spiritual life of Muslims. Unlike the Gregorian solar calendar, this lunar system shifts the months each year.
Its origin dates back to the prophet Muhammad and the Hijra - his exile from Mecca in 622 AD.
Originally purely lunar, some regions adopted a lunisolar cycle to avoid seasonal drift. However, the Muslim world maintained this calendar in accordance with the precepts of the Quran and the Sunnah.
The 12 months of the Muslim calendar
The Muslim calendar, also known as the Hijri or lunar calendar, follows a cycle of twelve months, each bearing a distinct name: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Discover the origins and deep meanings of these sacred months.
Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred month during which wars are forbidden. Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during Muharram.
This period also marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar cycle. Special practices like fasting and veneration are observed by the faithful.
Muharram holds great spiritual and historical importance for Islam. Its name derives from the word "muharram" meaning "sacred". Believers flock in large numbers to mosques and holy sites to pray.
Safar
After Muharram, the second month of the Islamic calendar is Safar. It is considered sacred - wars are forbidden during this period. Important events will take place in 2024 during this month according to the Islamic calendar.
Safar is part of the twelve lunar months of the Hijri calendar. It is a time of peace and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world.
Rabi' al-Awwal
Rabi' al-Awwal is the third month of the Muslim calendar. It is a blessed month -- marked by the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him). Muslims celebrate the sacred event of Mawlid an-Nabawi during this month.
Several spiritual practices take place, such as reading the Quran and invoking praises. Joyful community gatherings honor this special occasion.
Muslims attach great importance to the lunar Islamic calendar. Rabi' al-Awwal is preceded by Safar and followed by Rabi' al-Thani. Other sacred months include Ramadan, Dhou al-Hijjah, and Mouharram.
Rabi' al-Thani
Rabi' al-Thani, the fourth month of the Muslim calendar, is a period of spiritual devotion. Prayers, Quran readings, and good deeds continue. Ramadan, the ninth sacred month, is approaching -- a time of fasting and deep reflection.
Muslims celebrate important events during this lunar month. Mawlid an-Nabawi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, is a major holiday. Zakat days (obligatory almsgiving) strengthen community bonds.
Jumada al-Awwal
After Rabi' al-Thani, the fifth month of the Muslim calendar is Jumada al-Awwal. A month full of significant historical events in Islam - the Battle of Mu'tah against the Byzantines took place in Jumada al-Awwal.
It is also during this month that the Prophet Muhammad's uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, converted to Islam. Furthermore, Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet, was born in Jumada al-Awwal.
Believers place great importance on this lunar month. They commemorate the victories and sacrifices of the early Muslims. Jumada al-Awwal precedes the sacred month of Rajab in the Islamic calendar.
Jumada al-Thani
Jumada al-Thani, one of the twelve months of the Islamic calendar, holds particular importance. This lunar month hosts significant events in the history of Islam. Notably, the decisive Battle of Mu'tah and the conversion of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, a prominent companion of the Prophet.
Moreover, Jumada al-Thani celebrates the birth of Fatima, beloved daughter of the Messenger of Allah. Respected by faithful Muslims, these commemorations strengthen the ties with the rich Islamic heritage.
During this period, spiritual practices - prayers, Quranic readings, good deeds - remain a priority.
Rajab
The sacred month of Rajab takes on a special significance. This honorable lunar month is one of the four revered months - Muharram, Dhu al-Qi`da, Dhu al-Hijja. Rajab is distinguished by Laylat al-Mi'raj, the night of the Night Journey and the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
This memorable night marks the miraculous event when the Messenger of Allah was taken to Jerusalem, then ascended to the heavens.
Several pious practices are recommended during Rajab. Fasting, reciting the Quran, seeking divine forgiveness - all are meritorious acts. This month prepares believers for Ramadan, the blessed month of obligatory fasting.
Sha'ban
Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of spiritual preparation. Some practitioners observe additional fasts - a training for the upcoming obligatory fast of Ramadan.
The Night of Nisf Sha'ban holds special significance - it is considered the Night of Divine Decrees. Individual destinies for the year are written during this sacred night.
An opportunity for deep reflection and fervent prayers.
Ramadan
Ramadan, ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar, symbolizes a sacred period of mandatory fasting for Muslims. During this blessed month, practitioners abstain from eating, drinking, and intimate relations from sunrise to sunset.
In the evening, families gather to break the fast (iftar) and share a communal meal. Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad during the Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr).
The faithful practice charity by offering zakât al-fitr to the most deprived before Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of Ramadan.
This sacred month involves spiritual introspection, reading the Quran, additional prayers (tarawih) and strengthening of community bonds. Ramadan promotes patience, humility, compassion, and gratitude for Allah's blessings.
Chawwal
Chawwal marks the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting. The Eid al-Fitr celebrates this joyful occasion - a festival filled with prayers, family, and community rejoicing.
After a month of abstinence, believers break the fast, enjoying the agapes in the company of loved ones. Furthermore, it is recommended to fast six additional days during Shawwal.
This practice extends the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.
Dhu al-Qi'dah
Dhu al-Qi'dah is a sacred month. It marks the beginning of the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca - the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. This lunar Islamic month is rich in history. It witnessed crucial battles such as Khaybar and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
Dhu al-Qi'dah precedes Dhu al-Hijjah, the month of the great pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
The Muslim calendar counts twelve lunar months. Dhu al-Qi'dah is an integral part of this system dating back to the beginnings of Islam. Its religious and historical importance makes it an annual milestone for believers.
Dhu al-Hijjah
Dhu al-Hijjah, one of the twelve lunar months, holds a special significance in the Muslim calendar. Considered sacred, this month forbids armed conflicts. It is associated with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.
During this hajj, Muslims perform rituals, including the day of Eid al-Adha - the Festival of Sacrifice. Dhu al-Hijjah also commemorates historical events, such as the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad and the reconstruction of the Kaaba by Ibrahim and Ismaël.
The lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah coincides with the Gregorian calendar from July to September. The dates vary each year, according to the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world celebrate this month with devotion, gathered in unity and spiritual brotherhood.
Muslim calendar: Today, 1443, 1444, 1445
The Muslim calendar, also called the Hijri calendar or the calendar of the Hijra, follows a lunar cycle. We are currently in the years 1443, 1444, and 1445 of this calendar.
These years correspond to the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 of the Gregorian calendar.
Each year of the Muslim calendar consists of twelve lunar months. The first day of the month is determined by the observation of the new moon. The dates of religious holidays and events therefore vary from one year to another compared to the solar calendar.
Why these years in Islam?
The years of the Muslim calendar change every year. This is explained by the fact that the Islamic calendar is lunar, based on lunar cycles. A new year begins with the appearance of the new moon of the month of Muharram.
Thus, the current year 1443 of the Hijri will last until July 19, 2022. The following year 1444 will begin on July 20, 2022 and end on July 8, 2023. It is a perpetual calendar, so the years follow one another indefinitely.
New counts have been continuously added since the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.
Holidays and important dates in the Muslim calendar
The Islamic calendar includes several sacred celebrations. Here are the main ones:
- Laylat al-Qadr: Night of Destiny celebrated during the month of Ramadan, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. A night of prayers and meditation.
- Eid al-Fitr: Festival marking the end of the month of Ramadan. A day of celebrations and family gatherings.
- Aïd al-Adha: Feast of the Sacrifice commemorating Abraham's sacrifice. Muslims sacrifice a sheep and share the meat with the needy.
- Mawlid an-Nabî: Anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, celebrated on the 12th day of the month of Rabi' al-Awwal.
- Ashura: Day of fasting and mourning on the 10th day of Muharram, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala.
- Laylat al-Miraj: Night of Ascension celebrating the night journey and the Prophet Muhammad's ascension to heaven.
- Ramadan: Sacred month of fasting, spirituality, and self-denial for Muslims.
Some holidays vary according to moon observation. Other local celebrations are added depending on the regions.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the Muslim calendar is a fundamental element of Islamic faith. The lunar cycle plays a key role in determining the Hijri calendar, with each new month beginning at the appearance of the lunar crescent. Rooted in Quranic precepts, this method maintains a deep and sacred connection with the cosmos.
The Islamic calendar also reflects a commitment to transparency, providing precise dates for religious celebrations and ritual rites. By confirming prophetic teachings, this process supports the integrity and unity of the Muslim community.
Integrating the Hijri calendar into daily life is essential. Believers are advised to synchronize their main spiritual activities - such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage - with the sacred months of the Islamic calendar. This is a practice that strengthens attachment to Islamic tradition.
Although its 12-month cyclical structure facilitates understanding, the annual shift of the Hijri calendar compared to the Gregorian calendar can pose challenges when planning intercultural events.
Nevertheless, the adoption of the Muslim calendar is essential to preserve the authenticity of Islamic rituals. The strict observance of this calendar brings the faithful together in a harmonious celebration of their common spiritual heritage.