Islamic Calendar

There are 12 months in the Islamic calendar, and they begin with the sighting of the new moon.

The months in order are follows: Muharram, Safar, Rabi-Al-Awaal, Rabi-Al-Thani, Jumada-Al-Awwal, Jumada-Al-Thani, Rajab, Shabaan, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah.

Each of these months has a meaning and significance, which can be seen below.

current Islamic year - 1444 A.H

Muharram

Meaning - Forbidden.

Significance - Fighting is forbidden during the month to ensure Muslims could go to and from Hajj unharmed. Fasting during this month is recommended, and the Day of Ashura falls within this time, too.

Learn more about Muharram

The Month of Safar

Meaning – Void.

Significance - Several battles were fought during this month, and Allah (SWT) commanded the Muslims to move to Madina to avoid further battles.

Learn more about The Month of Safar

Rabi Al-Awwal

Meaning – First spring.

Significance - The ground sprouted with new life. The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as his death.

Learn more about Rabi Al-Awwal

Rabi Al-Thani

Meaning - Second spring.

Significance - Also called Jumada Al-Akhirah. It is not a special month, but good deeds are recommended all year round, including during this month.

Learn more about Rabi Al-Thani

Jamada Al-Awwal

Meaning - The first month of dry land.

Significance - Also called Jumada Al-Ula. It is not a special month, but good deeds are recommended all year around, including during this month.

Learn more about Jamada Al-Awwal

Jamada Al-Thani

Meaning - The second month of dry land.

Significance - This month is a month of mourning for many due to the deaths of Fatimah al-Zahra (the Prophet’s (PBUH) and Khadijah’s (RA) youngest daughter. Caliph Abu Bakr

Learn more about Jamada Al-Thani

Rajab

Meaning - To respect or honour.

Significance - It is haram to fight or be in conflict in this month. The birth of Ali (RA) and the Prophet’s (PBUH) night journey occurred.

Learn more about Rajab

Sha’ban – The Neglected Month

Meaning – Scattered.

Significance - This month is often neglected, but it should be used to increase worship.

Learn more about Sha’ban – The Neglected Month

The Month of Ramadan

Meaning – Scorching heat.

Significance - Fasting during this month humbles us and shows us the struggles of the impoverished around the world.

Learn more about The Month of Ramadan

The Month of Shawwal

Meaning – Raised.

Significance - Celebratory time due to Eid Al-Fitr falling during this month.

Learn more about The Month of Shawwal

Dhul Qadah – A Sacred Month

Meaning – The month of truce.

Significance - Violence is forbidden, and this allows Muslims to go to and from Makkah peacefully. Both good and bad deeds are heavier during this month.

Learn more about Dhul Qadah – A Sacred Month

The Month of Hajj

Meaning – Pilgrimage: the month of Hajj.

Significance - Holy period with significant events like Eid Al-Adha. Many go for Hajj at this time as it is a holy month. It is better to refrain from cutting your nails and hair

Learn more about The Month of Hajj

Dates to Remember

There are 12 months in the Islamic calendar, and they begin with the sighting of the new moon.

2023 Annual Events and Dates

ISLAMIC EVENT	GREGORIAN DATE	HIJRI DATE
Healthy Fasting on Dhul Hijjah and The Day of Arafat	28 June 2023	9 Thu al-Hijjah 1444
The 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah and its virtues	20 June 2023	1 Thu al-Hijjah 1444
When Does the Islamic New Year Begin?	19 July 2023	1 Muḥarram 1445
Day of Ashura	28 July 2023	10 Muḥarram 1445
What is Shab-e-Barat?	09 March 2023	16 Sha‘ban 1444
Eid Al-Fitr	22 April 2023	1 Shawwal 1444
Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj (The Night Journey and Ascension)	17 February 2023	26 Rajab 1444
12th Rabi’ Al-Awwal	27 September 2023	12 Rabi‘ al-awwal 1445
Eid Al-Adha	29 June 2023	10 Thu al-Hijjah 1444
Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power in Ramadan	18 April 2023	27 Ramadan 1444
Charity Fundraising Ideas	12 September 2023	26 Ṣafar 1445
Ways to Tackle Global Hunger	06 August 2023	19 Muḥarram 1445
Why is Charity Important in Islam?	09 August 2023	22 Muḥarram 1445
World Hunger Day: Making Every Day a Day to Take Action	22 August 2023	5 Ṣafar 1445
Sustainable Solutions: How Agricultural Innovation Can Fight Hunger	19 August 2023	2 Ṣafar 1445
The State of Global Hunger: Understanding the Crisis	14 August 2023	27 Muḥarram 1445
Food Waste: A Shocking Reality in the Fight Against Hunger	28 September 2023	13 Rabi‘ al-awwal 1445
The Plight of Widows and Orphans: Understanding Their Vulnerabilities	03 October 2023	18 Rabi‘ al-awwal 1445
Challenging Social Prejudices Against Widows and Orphans	17 October 2023	2 Rabi‘ al-akhir 1445
Building a Supportive Network: Volunteering for Widows and Orphans	30 October 2023	15 Rabi‘ al-akhir 1445

Please note that these dates are dependent on the moon sighting

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