Why is the Hijri calendar shorter than the Gregorian calendar?

The Hijri calendar is based on the moon (lunar), while the Gregorian calendar is based on the sun (solar). A lunar year is about 10-12 days shorter than a solar year, which is why Islamic dates move earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

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The 12 Islamic Months – Complete Guide

The Hijri calendar consists of 12 lunar months, totaling 354 or 355 days. Each month holds special significance in Islam.

1. Muharram ٱلْمُحَرَّم

Significance: The month of the Islamic New Year. It is one of the four Sacred Months of Islam. 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) is observed as a day of fasting to express gratitude to Allah SWT for the blessing of Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers. It is also the day of martyrs.

📌 Important: 1st Muharram – Islamic New Year | 10th Muharram – Day of Ashura (Fasting recommended)

2. Safar صَفَر

Significance: The word Safar means "to make empty" or "to leave uninhabited". Pre-Islamic Arabs observed this month as time of peace to pursue their wars and travels the following month. There are no restrictions regarding fasting or other acts of worship in this month. There are some misconceptions about this month being evil.

📌 Note: There are no omens in this month all months are blessed by Allah SWT.

3. Rabi' al-Awwal رَبِيع الْأَوَّل

Significance: This month for all Muslims in the world as it marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is recommended to organize Quran recitation programs gather in mosques and offer prayers in this month. Most Muslims observe Mawlid al-Nabi (the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)) in Rabi' al-Awwal.

📌 Important: 12th Rabi' al-Awwal – Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

4. Rabi' al-Thani رَبِيع الثَّانِي

Significance: It is also known as Rabi' al-Akhir. This month does not have any observances. However Muslims are encouraged to continue observing deeds and etiquettes of the month.

📌 Note: Continue practices from the month

5. Jumada al-Awwal جُمَادَى الْأَوَّل

Significance: One of the four months of the year. the word Jumada means "to freeze" and this month was so-called due to the condition of water in -Islamic times. The famous Battle of Muta was fought in this month in the year 8 AH.

📌 Historical: Battle of Muta (8 AH) – First major battle after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

6. Jumada al-Thani جُمَادَى الثَّانِي

Significance: Also goes by the name of Jumada al-Akhirah. The beloved Fatima al Zahra (RA) passed away in this month on the 3rd of Jumada al-Thani, 11 AH.

📌 Important: 3rd Jumada al-Thani – Death of Fatima al Zahra (RA)

7. Rajab رَجَب

Significance: One of the four months of the year. Fighting is prohibited in this month. The Isra and Miraj of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took place on the 27th of Rajab.

📌 Important: 27th Rajab – Isra and Miraj of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

8. Sha'ban شَعْبَان

Significance: The month of Ramadan preparations. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast the most in this month. The fifteenth night of Sha'ban (Mid- / Laylat al-Bara'at) is a night of forgiveness.

📌 Important: 15th Sha'ban – Laylat al-Bara'at (Night of Forgiveness)

9. Ramadan رَمَضَان

Significance: The month of the year. The Quran was revealed in this month. All Muslims around the world are obliged to observe fasting from dawn till sunset. The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) which's better than a thousand months falls in the ten days of Ramadan.

📌 Important: 10 nights of Ramadan – Laylatul Qadr | 1st Ramadan – Start of fasting

10. Shawwal شَوَّال

Significance: The month of Eid al-Fitr which begins on the 1st of Shawwal. It is highly recommended to keep fasting for six days in Shawwal ( to fasting for a year).

📌 Important: 1st Shawwal – Eid al-Fitr | 6 days of Shawwal 2nd -7th )

11. Dhu al-Qi'dah ذُو الْقِعْدَة

Significance: One of the four months of the year. A month of peace where no battles are allowed. Also it is the month of preparations for Hajj.

📌 Note: month – maintain peace and good conduct

12. Dhu al-Hijjah ذُو الْحِجَّة

Significance: The month of Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). The first ten days of this month are the days of the year. The Day of Arafat (9th Dhu al-Hijjah) is the day of fasting to expiate sins of two years. The Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) falls on the 10th-13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

📌 Important: 1st-10th Dhu al-Hijjah – days of the year | 9th Dhu al-Hijjah – Day of Arafat | 10th-13th Dhu al-Hijjah – Eid al-Adha

Quick Reference: Islamic Months

#	Islamic Month	Arabic Name	Key Events
1	Muharram	ٱلْمُحَرَّم	Islamic New Year Ashura (10th)
2	Safar	صَفَر	-
3	Rabi' al-Awwal	رَبِيع الْأَوَّل	Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 12Th
4	Rabi' al-Thani	رَبِيع الثَّانِي	-
5	Jumada al-Awwal	جُمَادَى الْأَوَّل	Battle of Muta
6	Jumada al-Thani	جُمَادَى الثَّانِي	Death of Fatima al-Zahra (RA)
7	Rajab	رَجَب	month Isra and Miraj (27th)
8	Sha'ban	شَعْبَان	Preparation for Ramadan, Mid-Sha'ban (15th)
9	Ramadan	رَمَضَان	Fasting Quran revealed, Laylatul Qadr
10	Shawwal	شَوَّال	Eid al-Fitr (1st) 6 days of fasting
11	Dhu al-Qi'dah	ذُو الْقِعْدَة	month Hajj preparation
12	Dhu al-Hijjah	ذُو الْحِجَّة	Hajj, Day of Arafah (9th) Eid al-Adha (10th)

📅 Understanding the Islamic Hijri Calendar: A Complete Guide

Assalamu Alaikum dear. Sisters! 💚 Have you ever wondered why Ramadan comes 10 days each year? The answer lies in the system of the Hijri calendar.

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar is a calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It was established by the Rashidun Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) based on the year of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This is why it is called the calendar. The current Islamic year is 1448 AH (Anno Hegirae – "in the year of the Hijrah").

🌟 Why the Hijri Calendar Matters for Every Muslim

For Muslims the Hijri calendar is not a dating system but a guidepost to observing important religious duties:

🌙 Determining Ramadan: The month when fasting's obligatory. Muslims look for the new moon to know when Ramadan begins.
🕋 Hajj Pilgrimage: The pilgrimage to Makkah takes place during the month (Dhu al-Hijjah).
🕌 Eid Celebrations: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the day of Shawwal and Eid al-Adha on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
📖 Months: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah and Dhu al-Hijjah are considered months where fighting is forbidden.
🤲 Special Nights: Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) during Ramadan and Laylat al-Bara'at (Mid-Sha'ban) are times of worship.

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🕋 The Four Sacred Months in Islam: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah and Dhu al-Hijjah

Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Quran: "Indeed the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these four are sacred. That is the religion so do not wrong yourselves during them." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

This verse highlights the importance of the four months in Islam. During these months Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship avoid sin and maintain peace. Let's explore each one:

1. Muharram – The Month of Allah

Muharram is the month of the calendar and is considered the most sacred. The Prophet (PBUH) called it "the month of Allah." Fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Day of Ashura) is highly recommended. Expiates the sins of the year. The Day of Ashura also commemorates the salvation of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh.

2. Rajab – The Month of Allah's Blessings

Rajab is the month. Is known as one of the "sacred months." It is a time for preparation for Ramadan. The night of Isra and Miraj ( Rajab) is when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken on a night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the heavens.

3. Dhu al-Qi'dah – The Month of Truce

Dhu al-Qi'dah is the month. Is a month of truce where fighting is forbidden. It is also the month when pilgrims begin their preparations for Hajj. Many Muslims use this month to increase their deeds and prepare for the journey.

4. Dhu al-Hijjah – The Month of Pilgrimage

Dhu al-Hijjah is the month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month of Hajj (pilgrimage). The first 10 days of this month are considered the days of the year for deeds. The Day of Arafah (9th) is a day of fasting that expiates the sins of two years. Eid al-Adha (10th) is the Festival of Sacrifice.

May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of these blessed months. Ameen. 🤲

🌙 Ramadan 2026: Complete Guide, to the Holy Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the month in the calendar and the most looked forward to time of the year for Muslims everywhere. It is a month of fasting, praying, thinking and being with others. Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to start around February or early March 2026.

📖 What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the month when the Holy Quran was first given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah says in the Quran: "The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

During this month Muslims fast from morning (Fajr) to evening (Maghrib). The fast means not eating, not drinking and not doing physical things. It is a time to clean the soul practice self-control and be more devoted to Allah.

🌟 The Blessings of Ramadan

Fasting: One of the five pillars of Islam
Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power – than 1,000 months
Quran Recitation: The month of the Quran
Charity (Zakat): kindness and giving
Community: Eating together at night and morning with family and friends

📅 When is Ramadan 2026?

According to calculations Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to start on about February 28 2026.. The exact date depends on seeing the moon. Use our Islamic Date Converter above to check the date for your area.

📚 Want to learn Quran this Ramadan? Join our Quran academy with teachers. Get a free trial class today!

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🎉 Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Complete Guide to the Two Islamic Festivals

Muslims over the world celebrate two festivals each year: Eid al-. Eid al-Adha. Both are times when families and communities gather. Let's learn about each one.

🌙 Eid al-Fitr – The Festival of Breaking the Fast

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the day of Shawwal ( Islamic month). It is a day of happiness, thanks and celebration. Muslims wake up early do the Eid prayer wear clothes visit family and friends and give Zakat al-Fitr (charity) to the poor.

Date: Shawwal ( Islamic month)
Prayer: Eid prayer after sunrise
Charity: Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer
Celebration: Eating, giving gifts and visiting family

🐏 Eid al-Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the day of Dhu al-Hijjah ( Islamic month). It happens when Hajj is done. It remembers the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Muslims do the Eid prayer. They sacrifice an animal (qurbani). Share the meat with family, friends and the poor.

Date: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah ( month)
Prayer: Eid prayer after sunrise
Sacrifice: Qurbani (animal sacrifice)
Charity: Sharing meat with the poor

May Allah accept our worship. Grant us the joy of these blessed festivals. Ameen. 🤲

❓ Common Misconceptions About the Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar)

The Hijri calendar is used by Muslims but there are several wrong ideas about it. Let's fix some of the ones.

Misconception 1: The Hijri Calendar is for Religious Events

Truth: The Hijri calendar is important for deciding religious events (Ramadan, Hajj, Eid). However it is also used for life in Muslim countries. It is a calendar system used for farming, business and daily planning.

Misconception 2: The Hijri Calendar is Not Accurate

Truth: The Hijri calendar is based on the moon, which's very predictable. Astronomical calculations can predict dates with accuracy. However the start of a month depends on the moon being seen in some countries, which may differ by one day.

Misconception 3: Islamic Dates are Fixed in the Gregorian Calendar

Truth: Because the lunar year is 10-12 days shorter than the year Islamic dates "move" earlier by about 10-12 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. This is why Ramadan, Hajj and Eid fall in seasons over time.

Misconception 4: You Need a Scholar to Convert Dates

Truth: While scholars can help, converting dates between Hijri and Gregorian is a calculation. Our free Islamic Date Converter above does this quickly and correctly.

Misconception 5: The Hijri Calendar is for Arabs

Truth: The Hijri calendar is used by Muslims of all backgrounds and races around the world. It is a calendar not limited to any region or culture.

We hope this clears up some ideas. If you have questions feel free to ask in the comments or contact us!

🎊 Islamic New Year and Day of Ashura:. Traditions

The Islamic New Year starts on the 1st of Muharram. It is a time for thinking, thanks and making plans for the year. Did you know that the Islamic New Year is not celebrated with fireworks and parties like the Gregorian New Year?

🌙 The Islamic New Year (1st Muharram)

The Islamic New Year marks the journey (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. It is a time to remember the sacrifices of the Muslims and to renew our commitment to Islam. Muslims often spend this day in prayer thinking and reading the Quran.

📖 The Day of Ashura ( Muharram)

The Day of Ashura is one of the days in the Islamic calendar. It is on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the year." (Sahih Muslim)

The Day of Ashura also remembers the escape of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted on this day. He told his followers to do the same.

🌟 Recommended Things to Do on Ashura

Fasting: The 10th of Muharram (and maybe the 9th too)
Charity: Giving to the poor and those in need
Prayer: Doing prayers and asking Allah for help
Quran: Reading and thinking about the Quran

May Allah accept our fasts and good deeds on these special days. Ameen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamic Dates

❓ What is the Hijri calendar?

The Hijri calendar is the calendar with 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It was started during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) from the year of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) journey (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.

❓ Why is the Hijri calendar shorter than the calendar?

The Hijri calendar is based on the moon (lunar) while the Gregorian calendar is based on the sun (solar). A lunar year is 10-12 days shorter than a year which is why Islamic dates "move" earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

❓ What are the four holy months in Islam?

The four holy months are: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah and Dhu al-Hijjah. During these months fighting is not allowed. Good deeds are considered important. Muslims are encouraged to do worship and avoid conflict during these special times.

❓ How can I find today's date?

You can find today's date at the top of this page! Our tool shows you the Hijri date based on calculations. Just refresh the page to see today's date.

❓ How do I convert a date to Hijri?

Just pick "Gregorian to Hijri" above enter the day, month and year then click "Convert to Hijri". Our tool will show you the date quickly.

❓ When is Ramadan in 2026?

According to the Hijri calendar Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to start around February or early March 2026. Use our date converter to check dates for your place!

❓ What is the difference between calendar?

The Hijri calendar is lunar (based on the moon) with 354-355 days each year while the Gregorian calendar is solar (based on the sun) with 365-366 days each year. The Hijri calendar is used for events while the Gregorian calendar is used for daily life around the world.

❓ Can I use this converter for any year?

Yes! Our Islamic Date Converter works for any year. Just choose your date from the menus. The tool will convert it quickly between Gregorian calendars.

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📚 How to Use the Islamic Date Converter: Step-by-Step Guide

Our Islamic Date Converter is easy to use. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Conversion Type

Pick either "Gregorian to Hijri" or "Hijri to Gregorian" using the tabs at the top of the converter.

Step 2: Enter the Date

Use the menus to select the day, month and year. For Gregorian dates pick from the 12 months. For Hijri dates pick from the 12 months.

Step 3: Click Convert

Click the "Convert" button. The result will appear away.

Step 4: See Today's Islamic Date

The converter shows today's date at the top of the page based on calculations from the AlAdhan API.

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❤️ May Allah increase our knowledge and grant us the ability to follow the Quran and Sunnah. Ameen. Share this Islamic calendar guide with family and friends!