The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic or Muslim calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months that guide the religious and cultural life of Muslims worldwide. Unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar, the Hijri calendar relies on the phases of the moon, with each month commencing with the sighting of the new moon crescent.
The 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar
- Muharram: The first month of the Hijri year, considered sacred. It holds significance for the mourning of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom (Ashura).
- Safar: Historically associated with travel and journeys, but no longer holds specific religious significance.
- Rabi al-Awwal: A month of celebration, commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Rabi al-Thani: Following Rabi al-Awwal, a month of continued blessings and reflection.
- Jumada al-Awwal: The first of the two Jumada months, named after the period when water would freeze in pre-Islamic Arabia.
- Jumada al-Thani: The second Jumada month, holding no particular religious significance.
- Rajab: A sacred month, during which warfare is forbidden. It marks the beginning of the holy months.
- Shaban: The month preceding Ramadan, a time for preparation and reflection.
- Ramadan: The holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, and charity.
- Shawwal: The month following Ramadan, beginning with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
- Dhu al-Qi’dah: The first of the three months in which warfare is prohibited. It precedes the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Dhu al-Hijjah: The last month of the Hijri year, culminating in the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
Unique Features of the Hijri Calendar
- Lunar Cycle: The Hijri calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, causing the Islamic months to shift throughout the seasons.
- Religious Observances: Many significant Islamic events and holidays are tied to specific dates within the Hijri calendar.
- Cultural Importance: The Hijri calendar plays a crucial role in organizing Muslim life, including daily prayers, fasting, and festivals.
Significance for Arabic Learners
Understanding the Hijri calendar and the Arabic names of the months is essential for anyone learning the language and culture. It allows for a deeper appreciation of Islamic traditions and enables learners to participate in cultural events and conversations with native speakers.
Incorporating the Hijri Calendar into Your Arabic Learning Journey
- Learn the Names of the Months: Familiarize yourself with the Arabic names and their order.
- Track the Islamic Calendar: Use online resources or apps to stay updated on the current Hijri month and important dates.
- Connect with Arabic Speakers: Engage in conversations about upcoming events and holidays in the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, consists of 12 months based on the phases of the moon. Each month alternates between 29 and 30 days, resulting in a total of 354 or 355 days in a year. Here are the Arabic months in the Hijri calendar:
- Muharram (مُحَرَّم): The first month.
- Safar (صَفَر): The second month.
- Rabi’ al-Awwal (رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل): The third month.
- Rabi’ al-Thani (رَبِيع ٱلثَّانِي): The fourth month.
- Jumada al-Awwal (جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ): The fifth month.
- Jumada al-Thani (جُمَادَىٰ ٱلثَّانِيَة): The sixth month.
- Rajab (رَجَب): The seventh month.
- Sha’ban (شَعْبَان): The eighth month.
- Ramadan (رَمَضَان): The ninth month, known for fasting.
- Shawwal (شَوَّال): The tenth month.
- Dhu al-Qi’dah (ذُو ٱلْقِعْدَة): The eleventh month.
- Dhu al-Hijjah (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة): The twelfth month, associated with Hajj pilgrimage.
The start of each month depends on the sighting of the moon, making the Islamic calendar an estimate of future Islamic events. It is essential for religious observances, including fasting during Ramadan and celebrating Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. 🌙🕌🇸🇦 1: IslamicFinder 2: Wikipedia 3: Learn Arabic with eArabicLearning 4: Ramadan Islam