Worldwide, Muslims use the Islamic calendar to determine the dates of religious events. The Islamic calendar is also known as the Lunar or Hijri Calendar. This calendar follows a 12-month system like the Gregorian calendar, but each new month begins with the sighting of the new moon.

The Months in the Hijri Calendar Include:

• Muharram
• Safar
• Rabi' al-Awwal
• Rabi' al-Thani
• Jumada al-Awwal
• Jumada al-Thani
• Rajab
• Sha'ban
• Ramadan
• Shawwal
• Dhu al-Qadah
• Dhu al-Hijjah (the month of Hajj)

Each of these months carries special spiritual meanings and is tied to important religious observances.

Origin of the Hijri Calendar

The Hijri calendar got its name from Hijrah, which means "migration." It marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. The calendar was introduced during the reign of Omar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Caliph, in 638 CE. The calendar was created to provide a unified system for Islamic events. Unlike solar-based calendars, the Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles, making moon sightings essential for determining special events like Ramadan and Eid.

Importance of the Hijri Calendar

Religious Significance

The calendar governs important Islamic observances such as Ramadan, Hajj, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other acts of worship.

Identity

The calendar represents the Islamic religion, distinguishing it from other faiths and practices. It signifies Islamic ethics and the importance of timekeeping. The Hijri calendar symbolizes how Muslims value their events and commemorate special celebrations.

Spiritual Reflection

The calendar marks specific times in the year when Muslims are encouraged to draw closer to Allah and strengthen their spiritual connection.

Unity

The Hijri calendar fosters unity among Muslims worldwide, as they observe the same religious events, strengthening the global community.

Comparison Between the Hijri and Gregorian Calendars

Season

Hijri Calendar: A lunar calendar based on the moon’s cycles, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, starting with the crescent moon’s sighting.

Gregorian Calendar: A solar calendar based on Earth’s orbit around the sun, with months of varying lengths and 365 days in a common year, 366 in a leap year.

Length

Hijri Calendar: Typically 354 or 355 days long, making it 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

Gregorian Calendar: Has 365 or 366 days, making it longer than the Hijri calendar.

Month Significance

Hijri Calendar: Each month holds spiritual significance, such as Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah.

Gregorian Calendar: Months are rooted in Roman and Latin influences, with cultural and societal events like the 4th of July in the U.S.

History

Hijri Calendar: Began in 622 CE, marking the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah.

Gregorian Calendar: Started from 1 CE, based on the assumed year of Jesus Christ’s birth.

Purpose

Hijri Calendar: Used by Muslims for religious events such as Eid, Hajj, and Ramadan.

Gregorian Calendar: Used worldwide as the standard calendar for societal and civil purposes.

The Hijri calendar, beginning with the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Madinah, holds deep significance in Islam. As Muslims, it is important to recognize the significance this calendar holds in Islam and understand the key differences between a Hijri calendar and Gregorian calendar.

By Human Appeal

California, USA