The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, plays a vital role in the life of Muslims worldwide. It marks the dates for important religious events and guides the observance of rituals and practices. Let's explore the Hijri calendar, its distinction from the solar calendar, its months, and significant Islamic dates.
What Is the Hijri Calendar?
The Hijri calendar was introduced by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. It is based on the moon's cycles. The calendar starts from the year of the Hijra, which is the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina. This event, which happened in 622 CE, marks the beginning of the Islamic era.
The Quran mentions the lunar months:
"They ask you about the new moons. Say, 'They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.'"
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 189)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also talked about the lunar months:
"The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha’ban."
(Bukhari)
The Lunar Calendar vs the Solar Calendar
The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning it follows the moon's phases. Each month starts with the sighting of the new moon. A lunar year is about 354 days, which is roughly 11 days shorter than the solar year used in the Gregorian calendar.
The difference between these calendars is important for Islamic practices:
"It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases—that you may know the number of years and account [of time]. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know."
(Surah Yunus, verse 5)
This verse shows the importance of both the sun and the moon in keeping time, but the Islamic calendar follows the moon.
The Months of Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar has 12 months, here’s a brief overview:
1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi' al-Awwal
4. Rabi' al-Akhir
5. Jumada al-Awwal
6. Jumada al-Akhir
7. Rajab
8. Sha'ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhul-Qi'dah
12. Dhul-Hijjah
Important Islamic Dates to Remember
1. Day of Ashura (10th Muharram)
Commemorates the day Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "For fasting the day of 'Ashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before."
(Muslim)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that if someone fasts on this day, he hopes that Allah will forgive their minor sins from the previous year. This means that fasting is a way to seek forgiveness and grow spiritually. It shows how important it is to do good deeds and connect with Allah.
If you want to learn about the virtues of Muharram, read the article here.
2. Mawlid al-Nabi (12th Rabi' al-Awwal)
Marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While there is no explicit mention of this celebration in the Quran or hadith, it is observed by many Muslims globally.
3. Isra and Mi'raj (27th Rajab)
Marks the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the heavens.
"Glory be to Him who made His servant go by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs."
(Surah Al-Isra, verse 1)
4. Mid-Sha'ban (15th Sha'ban)
Also known as Laylat al-Bara'ah, a night of seeking forgiveness and prayers.
While the night is considered significant, there is debate over the authenticity of hadiths about specific practices.
5. Entire Month of Ramadan
Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183)
6. Laylat al-Qadr (27th Ramadan)
The Night of Decree, when the Quran was revealed.
"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months."
(Surah Al-Qadr, verse 3)
7. Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal)
Festival of Breaking the Fast, celebrated at the end of Ramadan.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break your fast when you see it." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
8. Hajj (8th-12th Dhu al-Hijjah)
The pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for those who are able once in their lifetime.
"And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass."
(Surah Al-Hajj, verse 27)
9. Eid al-Adha (10th Dhu al-Hijjah)
Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you."
(Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37)
Conclusion
The Hijri calendar is very important for Muslims. It marks key religious events and helps guide their practices. Starting from the Hijra of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it is based on the moon's cycles and is shorter than the solar calendar.
Understanding and following the Hijri calendar helps Muslims stay connected to their faith and traditions, ensuring they observe important religious milestones together.
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