Islamic Months - Complete Guide
Learn about all 12 months of the Hijri calendar, their meanings, significance, and current dates
Understanding the Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar used by Muslims worldwide. It consists of 12 months, each lasting 29 or 30 days, making a total of 354 or 355 days in a year.
The calendar begins with the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic era.
12 Months
The Islamic calendar has exactly 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days.
Lunar Based
Based on the moon's cycles, making it shorter than the solar calendar.
Sacred Months
Four months (Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qadah, Dhu al-Hijjah) are considered sacred.
Muharram
1Sacred/Forbidden
The first month of the Islamic calendar. It's considered one of the four sacred months. The 10th day is Ashura, a significant day of fasting and remembrance.
Islamic New Year begins on the 1st of Muharram. The 10th day (Ashura) commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.
January 2025
30 days
- Islamic New Year (1st)
- Ashura (10th)
Safar
2Empty/Void
The second month of the Islamic calendar. The name means 'empty' as it was the time when Arabs would leave their homes for trade or war.
A month of transition and travel in traditional Arab culture. No specific religious significance but important in Islamic history.
February 2025
29 days
Rabi al-Awwal
3First Spring
The third month of the Islamic calendar. This month marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 12th day.
The birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12th of this month. It's a time of joy and celebration for Muslims worldwide.
March 2025
30 days
- Prophet's Birthday (12th)
Rabi al-Thani
4Second Spring
The fourth month of the Islamic calendar. Also known as Rabi al-Akhir, it continues the spring theme from the previous month.
A month of growth and renewal, continuing the spring theme. Important for agricultural communities in Islamic history.
April 2025
29 days
Jumada al-Awwal
5First Dry Month
The fifth month of the Islamic calendar. The name refers to the dry season when water would freeze.
A month of preparation and planning. Historically important for military campaigns and trade routes.
May 2025
30 days
Jumada al-Thani
6Second Dry Month
The sixth month of the Islamic calendar. Also known as Jumada al-Akhira, it continues the dry season theme.
A month of endurance and patience. Important for understanding the cyclical nature of time in Islamic tradition.
June 2025
29 days
Rajab
7Respect/Honor
The seventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. It's a time of spiritual preparation.
One of the four sacred months. The 27th night marks the Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad).
July 2025
30 days
- Isra and Mi'raj (27th)
Shaban
8Scattered
The eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It's the month before Ramadan and a time of preparation for fasting.
The 15th night is known as Laylat al-Bara'ah (Night of Forgiveness). It's a time for seeking forgiveness and preparing for Ramadan.
August 2025
29 days
- Mid-Shaban (15th)
Ramadan
9Burning Heat
The ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. It's the month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
The month of fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The 27th night is Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power).
September 2025
30 days
- Ramadan Begins (1st)
- Laylat al-Qadr (27th)
Shawwal
10Raised
The tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It begins with Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st day. It's a time of joy, gratitude, and community celebration after the month of fasting.
October 2025
29 days
- Eid al-Fitr (1st)
Dhu al-Qadah
11The One of Truce
The eleventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. It's a time of peace and preparation for Hajj.
One of the four sacred months. It's a time when fighting was traditionally forbidden, allowing safe travel for Hajj.
November 2025
30 days
Dhu al-Hijjah
12The One of Pilgrimage
The twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It's the month of Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
The month of Hajj pilgrimage. The 10th day is Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). The 9th day is the Day of Arafah.
December 2025
29 days
- Day of Arafah (9th)
- Eid al-Adha (10th)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many months are in the Islamic calendar?
The Islamic calendar has exactly 12 months: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qadah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Which months are considered sacred in Islam?
Four months are considered sacred: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qadah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. During these months, fighting was traditionally forbidden to allow safe travel for Hajj.
What is the most important month in the Islamic calendar?
Ramadan is considered the most sacred month as it's when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It's also when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
How does the Islamic calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar?
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based (354-355 days per year) while the Gregorian calendar is solar-based (365-366 days per year). This means Islamic months shift through the seasons over time.
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