The Four Sacred Months: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qi'dah, and Dhul Hijjah are designated as sacred in the Qur'an (9:36). Good deeds carry greater reward and sins are graver during these months.
The 12 Hijri Months
Key Dates in the Islamic Year
These dates are based on the lunar Hijri calendar and shift approximately 10–12 days earlier each Gregorian year.
Islamic New Year
1 Muharram
Day of Ashura
10 Muharram
Mawlid an-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday ﷺ)
12 Rabi' al-Awwal
Isra' and Mi'raj (Night Journey)
27 Rajab
Laylat al-Bara'ah (Night of Forgiveness)
15 Sha'ban
Beginning of Ramadan
1 Ramadan
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree)
Last 10 Nights of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr
1 Shawwal
Days of Hajj
8–12 Dhul Hijjah
Day of Arafah
9 Dhul Hijjah
Eid al-Adha
10 Dhul Hijjah
How the Hijri Calendar Works
Lunar-Based System
The Islamic calendar follows the moon's phases. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal), making it approximately 354–355 days per year — about 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar.
Year One — The Hijra
The calendar begins from the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event was chosen by the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab as the starting point because it marked the birth of the first Muslim community-state.
Moon Sighting vs. Calculation
There is scholarly discussion on whether months should begin based on physical moon sighting or astronomical calculation. Both methods have classical support. This is why Ramadan and Eid dates sometimes differ by a day between communities.
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred." — Qur'an 9:36