Wait, What Are Islamic Months?
Ever wonder how Muslims track time differently? Islam uses a lunar calendar rather than a January–December one, and it’s actually quite interesting. The Islamic calendar sort of floats—sliding through all the seasons over the years—with each Islamic month starting when the new moon is sighted. Ramadan in the freezing one year and in the scorching hot the next year, then!
Where It All Began
The Hijrah, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) moved from Makkah to Madinah, is a significant historical event that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, commonly known as the Hijri calendar. It is only appropriate that we count years from that point because it was not just a voyage but the start of a whole new chapter for Muslims.
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi’ al-Awwal
- Rabi’ al-Thani
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani
- Rajab
- Sha’ban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhul-Qi’dah
- Dhul-Hijjah
Four Sacred Months
Among the twelve, four months are sacred as mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36). These are:
- Muharram
- Rajab
- Dhul-Qi’dah
- Dhul-Hijjah
Fighting was traditionally forbidden during these months, encouraging peace and reflection.
Exploring the depths of Islamic wisdom, one post at a time. Let’s learn, grow, and embrace the light of knowledge together.