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 by Muslims worldwide to determine the proper days for Islamic holidays, fasting, and the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj). The calendar began with the Hijrah — the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
The 12 Hijri Months
The twelve months of the Islamic calendar are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qi'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, which is why Islamic dates can vary by a day or two between regions.
How It Differs from the Gregorian Calendar
Because the Islamic calendar is purely lunar (based on moon phases), it is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar used internationally. This means that Islamic months gradually shift through the Gregorian seasons over a cycle of approximately 33 years. Ramadan, for example, moves earlier by about 10 days each Gregorian year, cycling through all four seasons.
Key Islamic Events
Ramadan (9th month) — The month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline. The Quran was first revealed during this month.
Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal) — The festival marking the end of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate with congregational prayers, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), feasting, and visiting family and friends.
Dhul Hijjah & Hajj (12th month) — The month of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory for every able Muslim at least once in their lifetime.
Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) — The Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Muslims around the world perform animal sacrifice and distribute meat to family, friends, and those in need.
Islamic New Year (1st Muharram) — Marks the beginning of the new Hijri year. The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is a significant day of fasting.
Converting Between Calendars
Siraat's Islamic Calendar feature provides instant Hijri-to-Gregorian conversion, displays upcoming events with countdown timers, and helps you plan for important Islamic dates throughout the year.