π Understanding the Islamic Hijri 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 rituals and observances such as Ramadan fasting, Hajj pilgrimage, and Eid celebrations. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year, the Hijri calendar is based on the sighting of the moon.
The Hijri calendar was established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), with the first year corresponding to the year of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This is why it's called the Hijri calendar. The current Islamic year is 1448 AH (Anno Hegirae β "in the year of the Hijrah").
π Why the Hijri Calendar Matters for Every Muslim
For Muslims worldwide, the Hijri calendar is not just a dating system β it's a spiritual guide. It helps us observe important religious duties:
- π Determining Ramadan: The ninth month when fasting is obligatory. Muslims look for the new moon to know when Ramadan begins.
- π Hajj Pilgrimage: The pilgrimage to Makkah takes place during the twelfth month (Dhu al-Hijjah).
- π Eid Celebrations: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, and Eid al-Adha on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- π Sacred Months: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah are considered sacred months where fighting is forbidden.
- π€² Special Nights: Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) during Ramadan and Laylat al-Bara'at (Mid-Sha'ban) are times of intense worship.
π Difference Between Hijri and Gregorian Calendar
| Feature | Hijri Calendar | Gregorian Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Moon (Lunar) | Sun (Solar) |
| Days per year | 354 or 355 days | 365 or 366 days |
| Months | 12 (29-30 days each) | 12 (28-31 days each) |
| Starts from | Hijrah (622 CE) | Birth of Jesus (1 CE) |
| Used for | Islamic rituals | Civil daily life |
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