Discover the names, meanings, and religious significance of each month in the Islamic Hijri calendar.
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months. Each month begins when the new crescent moon is sighted, making the Islamic year approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. This calendar holds tremendous spiritual and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide, as it marks important religious events and observances throughout the year.
Understanding the Islamic months is essential for observing Islamic holidays, planning religious activities, and connecting with the lunar-based traditions that have guided Islamic civilization for over 1,400 years. Each month has its own unique name, meaning, and religious significance that reflects the rich history and spiritual values of Islam.
Month 1
Muharram
Meaning: "The Sacred" or "The Forbidden"
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months (Ash-Hurum) in which warfare is forbidden. This month holds deep spiritual significance as it marks the Islamic New Year. It is also known as the month in which Ashura is observed, commemorating the 10th day when Prophet Muhammad fasted and Muslims reflect on historical events.
Month 2
Safar
Meaning: "The Void" or "Empty"
Safar is the second month of the Islamic year. Historically, it was called "Safar" because Arabs would leave their homes during this month to travel and trade, leaving their houses empty. While some traditional superstitions exist about this month, Islamic teaching emphasizes that there is no inherent bad luck in Safar. It remains an ordinary month for regular Islamic practice and devotion.
Month 3
Rabi' al-Awwal
Meaning: "The First Spring"
Rabi' al-Awwal is the third month and is particularly significant as it is the birth month of Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabi), celebrated on the 12th of this month by many Muslim communities. This month is also associated with spring and renewal in Islamic tradition. Many Muslims observe this month with increased remembrance of the Prophet's teachings and contributions to humanity.
Month 4
Rabi' al-Thani
Meaning: "The Second Spring"
Rabi' al-Thani is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar. Like its preceding month, the name Rabi' refers to spring and the abundance of grazing for cattle during this season in the Arabian Peninsula. While not marked by major Islamic holidays, it remains an important month for regular worship, Quran recitation, and spiritual reflection.
Month 5
Jumada al-Awwal
Meaning: "The First Frozen Month"
Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Hijri calendar. The name "Jumada" comes from the Arabic word meaning to freeze or congeal, as during this time in the Arabian Peninsula, water sources would freeze. This month does not have major Islamic celebrations but is significant for continuous spiritual practice and maintaining consistent devotion throughout the year.
Month 6
Jumada al-Thani
Meaning: "The Second Frozen Month"
Jumada al-Thani is the sixth month and follows the pattern of the preceding Jumada month. Both Jumada months are times of quieter religious observance without major holidays, allowing Muslims to focus on personal spiritual development, Quran study, and strengthening their relationship with Allah through consistent practice and worship.
Month 7
Rajab
Meaning: "The Revered" or "The Honored"
Rajab is one of the four sacred months and holds special spiritual significance in Islam. This month is associated with the Isra and Mi'raj, the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad to Jerusalem and his ascension to the heavens on the 27th night. Many Muslims observe additional prayers and spiritual practices during Rajab as a preparation for the coming month of Ramadan.
Month 8
Sha'ban
Meaning: "The Scattered" or "The Division"
Sha'ban is the month immediately preceding Ramadan and is known as the month of preparation. Muslims are encouraged to fast voluntarily during Sha'ban to prepare physically and spiritually for the rigors of Ramadan fasting. The 15th night of Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah) is considered significant as Muslims seek forgiveness and reflect on their deeds before the holy month arrives.
Month 9
Ramadan
Meaning: "The Hot Month"
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. During this month, adult Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to focus on spiritual growth, prayer, and charity. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) during this month is believed to be more valuable than a thousand months.
Month 10
Shawwal
Meaning: "To Rise" or "To Lift"
Shawwal is the tenth month and begins with Eid al-Fitr, one of the two major Islamic holidays, celebrated on the first day to mark the end of Ramadan fasting. This joyous occasion brings communities together for prayers, feasts, and celebrations. Muslims also observe six additional fasts during Shawwal as a continuation of spiritual devotion following the intensive practices of Ramadan.
Month 11
Dhul-Qi'dah
Meaning: "The Owner of the Sitting"
Dhul-Qi'dah is the eleventh month and is one of the four sacred months in which warfare is forbidden. This month serves as a preparatory period for the pilgrimage season that follows. Muslims often make preparations for Hajj during this month, though the actual pilgrimage begins in the following month. It is a time for increased devotion and spiritual preparation.
Month 12
Dhul-Hijjah
Meaning: "The Owner of the Pilgrimage"
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca for this sacred journey. The month concludes with Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice), celebrating Prophet Abraham's obedience to Allah and commemorating his willingness to sacrifice his son.