The Hijri Calendar is the religious calendar of Islam, instituted from Prophet Muhammad’s historic migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina. In this article, we provide an in-depth overview of the Hijri Calendar, detailing its history, the characteristics of each month, and the names of the weekdays as used in the Islamic world. Discover how this calendar intertwines with religious observances and cultural traditions to remain an essential element of Islamic heritage.
Overview
- Definition: The Hijri Calendar is the religious calendar in Islam, marking the beginning of the era with Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina.
- Features:
- Based on the lunar cycle (phases of the moon), a Hijri year consists of approximately 354 days.
- Compared to the solar (Gregorian) calendar, the Hijri year is about 11 days shorter, causing a gradual shift in the seasons.
History
- Established in the early 7th century, the Hijri Calendar has been used within the Islamic community for organizing religious events and recording historical occurrences.
- The calendar’s epoch, marked by the Prophet’s Hijra, is a cornerstone in Islamic culture and tradition.
Structure and Features
- Lunar Observation: Each month begins with the observation of the new moon, and months are typically 29 or 30 days long.
- Connection to Religious Events: The calendar is essential for determining the dates of major Islamic observances such as the fasting month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (the festival marking the end of fasting), and Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice).
Detailed Monthly Overview (In Order)
Month 1: Muharram (محرّم, Muḥarram)
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- Characteristic: A month in which warfare is traditionally forbidden.
- Observance: On the 10th day, Ashura – commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn – is observed.
Month 2: Safar (صفر, Ṣafar)
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- Characteristic: Known as the month when people leave their homes for plundering.
- Observance: No specific festival or commemoration is noted.
Month 3: Rabi’ al-Awwal (ربيع الأول, Rabīʿ al-Awwal)
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- Characteristic: Recognized as the first month of spring.
- Observance: On the 12th day, Mawlid an-Nabi (the birthday of Prophet Muhammad) is celebrated.
Month 4: Rabi’ al-Thani (or Rabi’ al-Akhir)
(Example Notations: ربيع الثاني [Rabīʿ aṯ-Ṯānī / Rabīʿ al-Thānī] or ربيع الآخر [Rabīʿ al-Āḫir / Rabīʿ al-Ākhir])
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- Characteristic: The second month of spring.
- Observance: No specific festival or commemoration is noted.
Month 5: Jumada al-Awwal (جمادى الأولى, Ǧumādā l-Ūlā / Jumādā al-Ūlā)
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- Characteristic: Known as the month when the first earth is consolidated.
- Observance: No specific festival or commemoration is noted.
Month 6: Jumada al-Thani (or Jumada al-Akhir)
(Example Notations: جمادى الثانية [Ǧumādā ṯ-Ṯāniya / Jumādā al-Thāniyah] or جمادى الآخر [Ǧumādā l-Āḫira / Jumādā al-Ākhirah])
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- Characteristic: Recognized as the month when the second earth is consolidated.
- Observance: No specific festival or commemoration is noted.
Month 7: Rajab (رجب, Raǧab / Rajab)
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- Characteristic: A month dedicated to refraining from warfare.
- Observance: From the 27th day onward, Isra and Mi’raj – commemorating the Prophet’s ascension to heaven – is observed.
Month 8: Sha’ban (شعبان, Šaʿbān / Shaʿbān)
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- Characteristic: Known as the month when fighting ceases.
- Observance: No specific festival or commemoration is noted.
Month 9: Ramadan (رمضان, Ramaḍān)
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- Characteristic: A month when the scorching heat parches the earth.
- Observance: Celebrated as the month of fasting, it is of immense significance to Muslims.
Month 10: Shawwal (شوّال, Šawwāl / Shawwāl)
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- Characteristic: Known as the month of tending to camels.
- Observance: Beginning on the 1st day, Eid al-Fitr (the festival marking the end of Ramadan) is celebrated.
Month 11: Dhu al-Qi’dah (ذو القعدة, Ḏū l-Qaʿda / Dhū al-Qaʿdah)
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- Characteristic: A month of truce where conflict is halted and people remain at home.
- Observance: Certain commemorative events are observed during this period.
Month 12: Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجّة, Ḏū l-Ḥiǧǧa / Dhū al-Ḥijjah)
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- Characteristic: Known as the month of pilgrimage.
- Observance:
- On the 9th day, the central rites of the Hajj (denoted as Uqūf) are performed.
- From the 10th day onward, Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is celebrated.
Hijri Calendar Weekday Names
The names of the weekdays in the Hijri Calendar are derived from Islamic cultural and religious traditions. Below is a localized list showing the English weekday names along with their original meanings, Arabic, and transliterated forms.
Saturday
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- Original Meaning: Shabbat (see note 8)
- Arabic: السبت
- Transliteration: al-Sabt
- Pronunciation: As-subt
Sunday
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- Original Meaning: “One”
- Arabic: الأحد
- Transliteration: al-Ahad
- Pronunciation: Al-ahad
Monday
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- Original Meaning: “Two”
- Arabic: الاثنين
- Transliteration: al-Ithnayn
- Pronunciation: Al-isnayn
Tuesday
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- Original Meaning: “Three”
- Arabic: الثلاثاء
- Transliteration: al-Thalatha’
- Pronunciation: Ath-thalātha
Wednesday
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- Original Meaning: “Four”
- Arabic: الأربعاء
- Transliteration: al-Arba’a’
- Pronunciation: Al-arba’a
Thursday
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- Original Meaning: “Five”
- Arabic: الخميس
- Transliteration: al-Khamis
- Pronunciation: Al-khamis
Friday
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- Original Meaning: “Gather” (see note 9)
- Arabic: الجمعة
- Transliteration: al-Jum’a
- Pronunciation: Al-jum’a
Religious Significance and Usage
- The Hijri Calendar is essential for determining the dates of key Islamic religious events, including the fasting month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
- It also serves as a vital record of historical events and as the cultural backbone of traditional Islamic observances.
Modern Usage
- While many Islamic countries officially use the Gregorian calendar for administrative purposes, the Hijri Calendar continues to be used for religious and cultural observances.
- Muslim communities outside the Islamic world also rely on the Hijri Calendar to maintain their religious traditions.
The Hijri Calendar remains an indispensable element in understanding the history and culture of Islam. From the Prophet’s Hijra to the distinctive characteristics of each month and the unique names of the weekdays, its rich heritage continues to play a vital role today. We hope this article deepens your knowledge and appreciation of the Hijri Calendar.
Wikipedia: Islamic calendar
Note 8: “Shabbat” originally refers to the Jewish day of rest (Sabbath).
Note 9: Friday is named for the gathering of Muslims for communal prayers.
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