The Hijri Calendar: A Spiritual and Practical Guide for Muslims
What Is the Hijri Calendar?
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar calculations that determine the dates of specific religious occurrences, daily rituals, cultural traditions, Safar celebrations, cultural aspects, and more, starting from the year 622 CE.
In contrast to solar calendars, it is based on moon cycles, with 12 sacred months informing worship, festivals and personal milestones.
Key Takeaway:
The Hijri calendar isn’t simply a timekeeper — it’s a spiritual compass for 1.8 billion Muslims.
The Hijri Calendar’s Origin: A Journey Through Time
The Hijrah: A Turning Point in Islamic History
- Begins on 622 CE (Year 1 AH) when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) flees Mecca to Medina (Hijrah).
- Lunar-based: Each month (29–30 days) starts with the sighting of the new moon; 354–355 days/year.
Why Lunar? Divine Wisdom in the Quran
Allah says in the Quran (Surah Yunus 10:5):
“It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases—that you may know the number of years and account [of time].”
The 12 Hijri Months & Their Significance
| Month | Key Observances |
| Muharram | Islamic New Year; Ashura (10th day) |
| Safar | Traditional prayers for protection |
| Rabi’ al-Awwal | Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday (Mawlid) |
| Ramadan | Fasting, Quran revelation, Laylat al-Qadr |
| Shawwal | Eid al-Fitr (festival of breaking the fast) |
| Dhu al-Hijjah | Hajj pilgrimage; Eid al-Adha (sacrifice festival) |
Hijri vs. Gregorian Calendar: Key Differences
| Feature | Hijri Calendar | Gregorian Calendar |
| Basis | Moon cycles | Sun cycles |
| Year Length | 354 days (approx.) | 365 days (leap year: 366) |
| Month Start | New moon sighting | Fixed dates |
| Usage | Religious/cultural events | Global civil use |
Did You Know?
The Hijri calendar has 11 fewer days than the Gregorian, so Islamic dates advance each year.
How the Hijri Calendar Shapes Muslim Daily Life
1. Spiritual Routines
- Ramadan: Daytime fasting from dawn to sunset.
- Five Daily Prayers: Timings Adjust With Moon Phase
2. Major Life Events
- Weddings: Usually held again in Shawwal (the month after Ramadan)
- Business: Islamic months line with zero interest transactions.
3. Global Muslim Unity
- Eid celebrations are coordinated across the world (leaving aside the moon-sighting debates).
4 Ways to Integrate the Hijri Calendar into Modern Life
- Teach Kids Early: Hijri months through stories/games.
- Plan Travel Around Hajj/Eid (peak seasons in Saudi Arabia).
- Businesses: Offer Hijri-date promotions (e.g., Ramadan sales).
- Digital Tools: Enable Hijri dates on smartphones (iOS/Android settings).
FAQs
Why does the Hijri calendar change every year?
It’s 11 days shorter than the solar year, so dates shift from year to year (e.g., Ramadan shifts through seasons).
Which countries use the Hijri calendar officially?
Saudi Arabia, Oman and Morocco all use it for religious purposes, and the vast majority of countries use Gregorian for civil matters.
How is the Hijri month confirmed?
By religious authorities sighting the moon or by astronomical calculation.
Can I convert Hijri to Gregorian dates easily?
Yes! you can use our Date Converter tool (TareekhAlyawm.com) offer automatic conversions.
What’s the holiest month in the Hijri calendar?
Ramadan (sawm) and Dhu al-Hijjah (Hajj) are the holiest.
Conclusion: Living by Divine Time
The Hijri calendar is more than just dates: it’s a spiritual roadmap that connects Muslims to their faith, their history and their community.
When we go with it, we are in sync with Allah’s knowledge.
