The 12 Islamic Months
Complete guide to the Hijri calendar months, their significance, major events, and spiritual practices
Understanding the Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It is used to determine the proper days of Islamic holidays and rituals, such as the annual fasting period and the proper time for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. The calendar is approximately 10-11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, causing Islamic months to shift earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Four of the twelve Hijri months are considered sacred: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. During these months, warfare is forbidden, and acts of worship are especially meritorious.
The 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar
Explore each month to learn about its significance, major events, and recommended practices
Muharram
مُحَرَّم
"The Sacred Month / Forbidden"
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden. It marks the Islamic New Year and holds great historical and spiritual importance.
Ramadan
رَمَضَان
"The Month of Great Heat / Scorching"
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most sacred month in Islam. It is the month during which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it obligatory for all adult Muslims.
Dhul Hijjah
ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة
"The Month of Pilgrimage"
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months and holds immense significance as the month of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the year.
Rajab
رَجَب
"The Respected Month"
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. It holds special significance as the month in which the miraculous journey of Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey and Ascension) took place.
Sha'ban
شَعْبَان
"The Month of Separation / Dispersal"
Sha'ban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, positioned between the sacred months of Rajab and Ramadan. It serves as a crucial month of spiritual preparation for Ramadan and contains the blessed night of Mid-Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah).
Featured Islamic Months
The most significant months in the Islamic calendar
Ramadan - رَمَضَان
The holiest month when fasting is obligatory for all Muslims. The Quran was first revealed during this month.
Dhul Hijjah - ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة
The month of Hajj pilgrimage. Contains the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha, with the first 10 days being the best days of the year.
Muharram - مُحَرَّم
The first month marking the Islamic New Year. Contains the Day of Ashura, a sacred day of fasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many months are in the Islamic calendar?
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar consists of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days. These months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah.
Which Islamic months are considered sacred?
Four months are considered sacred in Islam: Muharram (1st month), Rajab (7th month), Dhul Qa'dah (11th month), and Dhul Hijjah (12th month). During these months, warfare is traditionally forbidden and good deeds are especially meritorious.
Why does Ramadan change dates every year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, approximately 10-11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic months, including Ramadan, to shift earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year, cycling through all seasons over approximately 33 years.
What is the most important month in the Islamic calendar?
Ramadan (the 9th month) is considered the most important month in Islam. It is the month of obligatory fasting and the month in which the Quran was first revealed. However, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the year for worship.