Monthly Calendar
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The Hijri (Islamic) Calendar
The Hijri calendar is the lunar calendar used by Muslims to determine the dates of religious festivals and significant events in Islam. It is based on the cycles of the moon and consists of 12 months of 29 or 30 days, making a year of approximately 354 or 355 days.
Unlike the Gregorian (solar) calendar, the Hijri calendar is about 11 days shorter per year. This is why Islamic months gradually 'shift' relative to the seasons. Ramadan, for instance, falls approximately 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Year 1 of the Hijri era corresponds to the emigration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. The Hijri calendar is designated by the abbreviation 'AH' (Anno Hegirae).
The months of the Hijri calendar
Muharram (محرم)
First month of the Hijri year. A sacred month during which fasting is recommended, particularly on the 10th (Ashura).
Safar (صفر)
Second month. Its name comes from the word 'travel' as Arabs traditionally set out on journeys after the sacred months.
Rabi' al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
Third month, known for the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Mawlid an-Nabi) on the 12th.
Rabi' ath-Thani (ربيع الثاني)
Fourth month, also called Rabi' al-Akhir.
Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى)
Fifth month. Its name refers to freezing ('jamada' means to freeze) as this month fell in winter when the calendar was created.
Jumada ath-Thania (جمادى الثانية)
Sixth month, also called Jumada al-Akhira.
Rajab (رجب)
Seventh month, one of the four sacred months. It is the month of the Night Journey (Isra wal Mi'raj) of Prophet ﷺ.
Sha'ban (شعبان)
Eighth month, a period of preparation before Ramadan. The 15th night (Laylat al-Bara'ah) is considered a night of blessing.
Ramadan (رمضان)
Ninth and most important month: the month of obligatory fasting, night prayer (Tarawih), and intensified devotion. The Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) falls in the last ten nights.
Shawwal (شوال)
Tenth month. It begins with Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan. Fasting 6 additional days in Shawwal is recommended.
Dhul Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)
Eleventh month, one of the four sacred months. Its name means 'the month of sitting' as conflicts were forbidden.
Dhul Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
Twelfth and final month, the month of Hajj (pilgrimage). The 10th is Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), one of the two major Islamic festivals.
Why know the Hijri calendar?
Knowing the Hijri date is essential for Muslims because all religious obligations and celebrations follow this calendar: the beginning and end of Ramadan, the dates of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Day of Arafat, and recommended voluntary fasting days such as Mondays and Thursdays or the 'white days' (13th, 14th, and 15th of each Hijri month).
Salatna displays the Hijri date on each city page to help you follow the Islamic calendar daily, alongside accurate prayer times.