The Islamic Calendar
Understanding the Hijri Year — Month by Month
Explore every month of the Islamic calendar through authentic Quranic and Prophetic guidance. From sacred months to days of fasting, discover what each month means — and how to make the most of every moment.
About the Islamic Calendar
The Hijri calendar is the Islamic lunar calendar, introduced in 638 CE (16 AH) during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه. It began from the momentous event of the Hijra — the Prophet's ﷺ migration from Makkah to Madinah — marking a new era in Islamic history.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar (solar), the Hijri calendar is purely lunar, comprising 12 months of 29 or 30 days each, totaling 354 or 355 days per year. This means Hijri months rotate through all seasons over a cycle of approximately 33 years.
Currently: Safar 1448 AH · July – August 2026
The second month of the Hijri Calendar is now active. Explore the full Safar Resource Page for authentic Islamic guidance on this often-misunderstood month.
The Sacred Months
The Four Sacred Months (Al-Ash'hur al-Hurum)
Muharram · Rajab · Dhul Qa'dah · Dhul Hijjah
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah…" — Quran 9:36
All 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar
Each month has its own character, history, and spiritual significance. Click Read More to visit the dedicated resource page for that month.
| # | Month | Theme | About This Month | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |
Muharram مُحَرَّم |
The Sacred Month of New Beginnings
|
One of the four sacred months in Islam. Includes the significant Day of Ashura on the 10th — a day of fasting and reflection.
|
Read More |
| 02 |
Safar صَفَر |
Replacing Superstition with Authentic Knowledge
|
Often surrounded by cultural myths, Safar carries no inherent misfortune according to the Quran and Sunnah. Explore what authentic Islamic teachings say about this often misunderstood month.
|
Read More |
| 03 |
Rabi' al-Awwal رَبِيعُ الأَوَّل |
The Month of the Prophet's Birth ﷺ
|
The blessed month in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born. A time for learning his life, his character, and his teachings.
|
Coming Soon |
| 04 |
Rabi' al-Thani رَبِيعُ الثَّانِي |
A Month of Steadfastness and Gratitude
|
The second spring month of the Hijri calendar. A time to continue the spiritual momentum of Rabi' al-Awwal and reflect on consistency in worship.
|
Coming Soon |
| 05 |
Jumada al-Ula جُمَادَى الأُولَى |
A Season of Patience and Persistence
|
Named for the freezing of water, this month encourages steadfast trust in Allah through stillness and constancy in good deeds.
|
Coming Soon |
| 06 |
Jumada al-Thani جُمَادَى الثَّانِيَة |
Deepening Resolve Before Sacred Months Ahead
|
As the calendar approaches the season of Rajab, this month is an opportunity to renew intentions and deepen one's spiritual practice.
|
Coming Soon |
| 07 |
Rajab رَجَب |
One of the Four Sacred Months
|
A sacred and forbidden month in Islam. The Night Journey (Isra' wal-Mi'raj) of the Prophet ﷺ is commemorated during Rajab.
|
Coming Soon |
| 08 |
Sha'ban شَعْبَان |
Preparation and Purification Before Ramadan
|
The Prophet ﷺ would increase fasting in Sha'ban. This month is a spiritual runway to Ramadan — a time to purify habits and strengthen the heart.
|
Coming Soon |
| 09 |
Ramadan رَمَضَان |
The Month of the Quran and Fasting
|
The holiest month of the Islamic year. Fasting is obligatory, the Quran was revealed in this month, and Laylat al-Qadr — better than a thousand months — lies within its final nights.
|
Coming Soon |
| 10 |
Shawwal شَوَّال |
Celebration, Eid, and Six Days of Sunnah Fasting
|
Begins with Eid al-Fitr, the celebration of breaking the Ramadan fast. Fasting six days in Shawwal carries immense reward in the Sunnah.
|
Coming Soon |
| 11 |
Dū al-Qa'dah ذُو القَعْدَة |
The Month of Rest and Sacred Travel
|
One of the four sacred months. Historically a time when travel for Hajj preparation began and conflicts were suspended. A season of peace and reflection.
|
Coming Soon |
| 12 |
Dū al-Hijjah ذُو الحِجَّة |
The Best Ten Days of the Year
|
The month of Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and the Day of Arafah. The Prophet ﷺ called its first ten days the most virtuous days of the entire year.
|
Read More |
How to Use the Islamic Calendar Hub
What the month means and its Quranic significance
Key dates, events, and historical milestones
Authentic hadith related to the month
Common myths corrected with scholarly guidance
Recommended acts of worship and Sunnah practices
FAQs answered through the lens of Quran and Sunnah
Links to allMasajid app features relevant to the month
Never Miss a Moment of the Islamic Year
The allMasajid app includes a full Hijri calendar, prayer times, Quranic reminders, and month-by-month Islamic guidance — all in your pocket.
