Islamic Calendar

Introduction

The Islamic Calendar, also known as the Hijrah calendar, is a lunar calendar that consists of twelve months. Each month is determined by the first sighting of the crescent moon to the next, lasting approximately twenty-nine or thirty days. Unlike the solar calendar which has 365 days, the lunar-based Islamic calendar has about 354 days. Due to this difference, Islamic holidays and festivals shift each year with respect to the Gregorian calendar.

Etymology and Translations

• Etymology: The term “Hijrah” relates to the Islamic event of the Emigration from Mecca to Medina. It marks the beginning of the Islamic era.
• Arabic: التقويم الهجري (At-takwīm al-Hijrī)
• Turkish: Hicri Takvim

Months of the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic year begins with Muharram and follows with the twelve months as:

1. Muharram (المحرّم)
2. Safar (صفر)
3. Rabi’ al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
4. Rabi’ al-Thani (ربيع الآخر)
5. Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى)
6. Jumada al-Akhirah (جمادى الآخرة)
7. Rajab (رجب)
8. Sha’ban (شعبان)
9. Ramadan (رمضان) - The month of fasting
10. Shawwal (شوّال)
11. Dhu al-Qi’dah (ذو القعدة)
12. Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) - The month of Hajj pilgrimage

Unique Attributes

• Lunar Basis: The months and years of the Islamic calendar are based on lunar cycles, creating years of 354 or 355 days.
• Starting Point: The first year of the calendar starts from the Hijrah event in 622 C.E., marking the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina.
• Seasonal Variations: Because the calendar is shorter than the solar year, Islamic months and their associated holidays occur in different seasons each year over time.

Days and Timing

Days in the Islamic Calendar: Days in the Islamic calendar run from sunset to sunset, rather than midnight to midnight as in the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

Religious Holidays: The calendar delineates essential Islamic holidays and periods, such as Ramadan (fasting) and Hajj in Dhu al-Hijjah.

• Eid al-Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha: Takes place during Dhu al-Hijjah commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command.

Books for Further Study

• “Understanding the Islamic Calendar” by Daoud Nassimi
• “Islamic Calendar: Time Keeping and Faith” by Ahmad Dallal
• “A Textbook of the Islamic Calendar” by Abu Rahman Ibn Bashir

Takeaways

• Lunar Calendar: Comprised of twelve months, each based on lunar cycles.
• Hijrah: The calendar starts from the Hijrah, marking a significant event in Islamic history.
• Flexibility in Seasons: Islamic holidays shift throughout the seasons due to the calendar’s shorter lunar year.

Conclusion

The Islamic Calendar plays a crucial role in structuring religious observances and holidays within the Muslim community. Understanding its composition and historical significance provides deeper insight into Islamic customs and timekeeping. Whether one is a student of Islamic studies or someone intrigued by different cultural practices, the Hijrah calendar offers an enriching perspective steeped in history and spiritual meaning.