The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar-based system used by Muslims worldwide to determine religious events, rituals, and significant dates. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon. This makes it about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, resulting in Islamic months shifting slightly every year and makes it essential for determining important religious events such as Ramadan, Hajj, Eid ul Fitr, and Eid ul Adha. Each of the twelve Islamic months carries its own significance, with four months i.e. Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah declared sacred by Allah, calling for reflection, worship, and moral discipline.
By understanding the names, order, and virtues of each Islamic month, believers can align their lives with the rhythm of faith, observe the sacred months properly, and maximize their good deeds throughout the year.
This blog provides a complete guide to the Islamic calendar,12 Islamic months, Quranic references, and authentic hadiths, helping Muslims connect deeply with their faith and history. Whether you are exploring the significance of Ramadan, preparing for Hajj, or learning about the sacred months, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, each month starting with the sighting of the new moon. The months are either 29 or 30 days long, depending on lunar observations. The year is thus 354 or 355 days, shorter than the solar year. The twelve months in order are:
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi al Awwal
- Rabi al Thani
- Jumada al Ula
- Jumada al Thaniyah
- Rajab
- Shaban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhul Qadah
- Dhul Hijjah
This calendar helps Muslims determine religious events, sacred months, and important acts of worship throughout the year. The twelve months, from Muharram to Dhul Hijjah, guide the rhythm of Islamic life.
Importance of the Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is not just a way to track time; it guides Muslim life in worship, morality, and history. Some key aspects include:
- Determining Islamic holidays and events: Such as Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr, and Eid ul Adha.
- Hajj and Umrah planning: Dates of pilgrimage (hajj)are fixed according to lunar months.
- Observing sacred months: Certain months require extra care in conduct and devotion.
- Recording historical events: Many Islamic historical events are dated according to the Hijri calendar.
Below is a Quranic reference on time:
Arabic: وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَى هَذَا الْوَعْدُ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ
Transliteration: Wa yaquloona mata hatha alwaAAdu in kuntum sadiqeena
English Translation: And they say, “When is this promise, if you should be truthful?” – (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:24)
Time and its reckoning are important in Islam, making the calendar a key tool for organizing religious duties.
The Islamic calendar is more than a way to mark days, it organizes a Muslim’s spiritual, moral, and historical life. By following its months, believers can observe religious duties, honor sacred periods, and stay connected with the rhythm of faith throughout the year.
12 Islamic Months and Their Significance
Each month of the Islamic calendar carries its own unique importance, guiding Muslims in worship, reflection, and good deeds. Understanding the names and significance of all twelve months helps believers live in harmony with Islamic teachings and make the most of every period throughout the year. Below is the list of months in Islamic calendar:
1. Muharram
Muharram is the first month and a sacred month in Islam. It is a time for reflection, fasting, and avoiding injustice. The 10th day, known as Ashura, is especially significant. Its name means “forbidden,” highlighting the prohibition of injustice, fighting, and wrongdoing during this period. Muharram is a time for reflection, self-restraint, and increased devotion to Allah. The month encourages Muslims to focus on good deeds, voluntary fasting, prayer, and helping others, making it a spiritually rewarding start to the Islamic year.
A key day in Muharram is Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the month. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:
Arabic: اَفْضَلُ الصِّيَامِ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرُ اللّٰهِ الْمُحَرَّمُ
Transliteration: Afdalus siyami bada ramadana shahrullahil muharram
English Translation: The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, Muharram. – (Sahih Muslim 1163)
Fasting on Ashura is highly recommended, as it brings forgiveness for the past year’s sins and strengthens spiritual discipline. Overall, Muharram sets the tone for a year of mindful worship, moral behavior, and closeness to Allah.
2. Safar
Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar and is traditionally seen as a month of trials, though Islam removes any superstitions associated with it. It is a time to increase worship, prayer, and charity, focusing on patience and reliance on Allah. Muslims are encouraged to maintain good conduct, help others, and reflect on their deeds during this month.
Safar reminds believers that each month carries its own spiritual opportunities, and avoiding negligence ensures continuous moral and spiritual growth.
3. Rabi al Awwal
Rabi al Awwal is the third month and is most notable for the birth of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. This month is a time to remember his life, teachings, and exemplary character. Muslims are encouraged to emulate the Prophet’s guidance, increase prayers, engage in charity, and strengthen community bonds.
Celebrating his teachings helps believers deepen their faith and apply Islamic principles in daily life, making this month a source of spiritual inspiration.
4. Rabi al Thani
Rabi al Thani is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar. It encourages continued worship, self-improvement, and reflection on personal behavior. This month is an opportunity to maintain spiritual discipline, perform extra prayers, and engage in acts of kindness. Rabi al Thani is a time for continued worship, self-improvement, and remembrance of Allah.
By focusing on ethical conduct and mindful devotion, Rabi al Thani helps believers develop inner peace and a closer connection with Allah.
5. Jumada al Ula
Jumada al Ula encourages patience, family care, and voluntary acts of worship. It is the fifth month, emphasizing patience, family care, and charitable deeds. Muslims are encouraged to continue voluntary fasting, strengthen relationships, and reflect on their responsibilities. The month provides an opportunity to renew spiritual focus and maintain good habits in everyday life.
It reminds believers that consistent devotion and kindness throughout the year are just as important as during major religious events.
6. Jumada al Thaniyah
Jumada al Thaniyah, the sixth month, continues the lessons of Jumada al Ula, highlighting moral conduct, self-reflection, and acts of worship. It is a time to focus on personal growth, charity, and strengthening ties with family and community. The month encourages believers to remain mindful of Allah, develop patience, and lead a life of righteousness.
This month is similar to Jumada al Ula, emphasizing reflection, charity, and moral conduct.
7. Rajab
Rajab is a sacred month. It is a time for spiritual preparation, extra worship, and avoidance of sins. It is the seventh month and one of the sacred months in Islam. It stands alone, not consecutive with the other sacred months. Rajab is a time for reflection, voluntary fasting, increased prayers, and avoidance of sins. Muslims often use this month to prepare spiritually for Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:
Arabic: إِنَّ الزَّمَانَ قَدِ اسْتَدَارَ كَهَيْئَتِهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ اللَّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ السَّنَةُ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ
Transliteration: Innaz zamana qad istadara kahaiyatihi yawma khalaqallahu samawati wal ard as sanatu ithna ashara shahran minha arbaatun hurum
English Translation: Time has returned to its original state as it was when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred. – (Sahih Bukhari 3197)
Rajab encourages spiritual preparation and mindfulness in worship.
8. Shaban
Shaban is the eighth month and serves as preparation for Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him frequently fasted during this month and increased his acts of worship. It is a time to purify the soul, seek forgiveness, and strengthen devotion to Allah.
Shaban reminds Muslims to ready their hearts and minds for the intense worship and reflection that Ramadan brings.
9. Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month, is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, recite the Quran, pray more frequently, and give charity. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:
Arabic: مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
Transliteration: Man sama ramadan imanan wa ihtisaban ghufira lahu ma taqaddama min dhanbihi
English Translation: Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven. – (Sahih Bukhari 38)
Ramadan is a month of discipline, spiritual growth, and closeness to Allah, making it the pinnacle of the Islamic year.
10. Shawwal
Shawwal follows Ramadan and includes Eid ul Fitr. Fasting six days in Shawwal is highly recommended for extra reward. It is the tenth month and begins with Eid ul Fitr, celebrating the end of Ramadan. Fasting six days in Shawwal is highly recommended, bringing rewards equivalent to fasting the whole year. The month encourages gratitude, continued worship, and maintaining spiritual discipline beyond Ramadan.
Shawwal motivates Muslims to sustain good habits and strengthen their connection with Allah after the fasting of Ramadan.
11. Dhul Qadah
Dhul Qadah is the eleventh month and one of the sacred months. Its name means “to sit or refrain,” reflecting a period of peace and restraint. Fighting and conflict were traditionally avoided, making it a month for patience, reflection, and preparation for Hajj.
Believers are encouraged to perform acts of worship, charity, and maintain moral conduct during Dhul Qadah. It is a sacred month and a period of peace and restraint. It precedes the Hajj season and encourages preparation for pilgrimage.
12. Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah is the month of Hajj and sacrifice. Its first ten days are especially virtuous, culminating in Eid ul Adha and the act of Qurbani. It is the twelfth month and one of the most virtuous months in Islam. It includes Hajj, the Day of Arafah, Eid ul Adha, and Qurbani (sacrifice). The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:
Arabic: مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ
Transliteration: Ma min ayyamin al amalus salihu fihinna ahabbu ilallahi min hazihil ayyam
English Translation: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days. – (Sahih Bukhari 969)
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are particularly virtuous, offering Muslims the chance for immense reward through worship, charity, and sacrifice.
Days in Each Month of the Islamic Calendar
Here’s a clear breakdown of the number of days in each Islamic (Hijri) month:
| Month | Number of Days | Notes |
| Muharram | 30 | Sacred month, fasting on Ashura recommended |
| Safar | 29 or 30 | Length may vary depending on moon sighting |
| Rabi al Awwal | 30 | Birth of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him |
| Rabi al Thani | 29 or 30 | Length varies with lunar cycle |
| Jumada al Ula | 30 | Voluntary acts of worship encouraged |
| Jumada al Thaniyah | 29 or 30 | Length varies with moon sighting |
| Rajab | 30 | Sacred month, preparation for worship |
| Shaban | 29 or 30 | Preparation for Ramadan, voluntary fasting |
| Ramadan | 30 | Holiest month, fasting from dawn to sunset |
| Shawwal | 29 or 30 | Includes Eid ul Fitr, fasting six days recommended |
| Dhul Qadah | 30 | Sacred month, peace and restraint emphasized |
| Dhul Hijjah | 29 or 30 | Sacred month, Hajj and Eid ul Adha, first 10 days highly virtuous |
Note: The exact number of days in some months may vary by 1 day depending on lunar observations and sighting of the new moon.
Sacred Months and Their Significance
The four sacred months i.e. Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah hold special honor:
- Fighting and injustice are discouraged.
- Acts of worship carry greater reward.
- Believers are encouraged to reflect, seek forgiveness, and increase good deeds.
Allah says in Quran:
Arabic:
اِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُوۡرِ عِنۡدَ اللّٰهِ اثۡنَا عَشَرَ شَهۡرًا فِىۡ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ يَوۡمَ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضَ مِنۡهَاۤ اَرۡبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ذٰلِكَ الدِّيۡنُ الۡقَيِّمُ فَلَا تَظۡلِمُوۡا فِيۡهِنَّ اَنۡفُسَكُمۡ
Transliteration: Inna iddatash shuhuri indallahi ithna ashara shahran fi kitabillahi yawma khalaqas samawati wal ard minha arbaatun hurum zalikad deenul qayyim fala tazlimu fihinna anfusakum
English Translation: Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the Book of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. – (Surah At Tawbah 9:36)
The sacred months are a special time for reflection, worship, and moral discipline. Believers are reminded to avoid wrongdoing, increase good deeds, and seek forgiveness, making these months an opportunity to draw closer to Allah. Observing them properly strengthens faith and aligns life with the teachings of Islam.
Conclusion
The Islamic calendar is much more than a way to track dates; it is a guide for spiritual life, worship, and moral conduct. Each month offers unique opportunities for reflection, devotion, and growth. Understanding the months, especially the sacred ones, helps Muslims align their lives with faith, avoid sins, and maximize their good deeds throughout the year.
By following the Islamic calendar, believers can structure their lives around worship, historical awareness, and spiritual milestones, making every month a step closer to Allah.
FAQs:
How many months are there in the Islamic calendar?
There are twelve lunar months in the Islamic calendar.
Which months are considered sacred in Islam?
Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah are the four sacred months.
What is the first month of the Islamic calendar?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Which month is the holiest in Islam?
Ramadan is the holiest month, marked by fasting and increased worship.
Why is the Islamic calendar lunar?
It is based on the moon’s phases, making it about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
Which month is associated with Hajj and Eid ul Adha?
Dhul Hijjah is the month of Hajj and Eid ul Adha.
What is the significance of Ashura in Muharram?
Ashura on the 10th of Muharram is a day of fasting and reflection with great spiritual reward.
How does the Islamic calendar affect daily Muslim life?
It guides religious duties, fasting, Hajj, and observing sacred months throughout the year.
