What Is the Islamic Calendar?
The Islamic calendar (also called the Hijri calendar) is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months. It began with the Hijra — Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. The current Islamic year is 1447 AH (Anno Hegirae).
The 12 Islamic Months
1. Muharram (محرّم)
The first month — one of the four sacred months. The 10th of Muharram is Ashura, when fasting is recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.
2. Safar (صفر)
The second month. In pre-Islamic times, Arabs considered it unlucky, but Islam rejected this superstition.
3. Rabi al-Awwal (ربيع الأوّل)
The third month, known as the birth month of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal. Many Muslims celebrate Mawlid (the Prophet's birthday) during this month.
4. Rabi al-Thani (ربيع الثاني)
The fourth month. Also called Rabi al-Akhir.
5. Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى)
The fifth month. One of the pre-summer months.
6. Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الثانية)
The sixth month. Also called Jumada al-Akhirah.
7. Rajab (رجب)
The seventh month — one of the four sacred months. The 27th of Rajab marks Isra and Mi'raj — the Prophet's night journey and ascension to heaven.
8. Sha'ban (شعبان)
The eighth month. The 15th night is Shab-e-Barat (Night of Forgiveness). This month serves as preparation for Ramadan, and the Prophet would fast frequently during Sha'ban.
9. Ramadan (رمضان)
The ninth month — the holiest month in Islam. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, increase worship, and give generously. The Quran was first revealed during Ramadan, and Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) falls in its last 10 nights.
10. Shawwal (شوّال)
The tenth month. It begins with Eid al-Fitr — the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Fasting 6 days of Shawwal after Eid is highly recommended.
11. Dhul Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)
The eleventh month — one of the four sacred months and the beginning of the Hajj season.
12. Dhul Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
The twelfth and final month — one of the four sacred months. It contains the Hajj pilgrimage (8th-12th), the Day of Arafah (9th), and Eid al-Adha (10th). The first 10 days are among the most blessed of the year.
The Four Sacred Months
Allah designated four months as sacred (haram): Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qi'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. During these months, the reward for good deeds is multiplied and sin is more severe.
Key Islamic Dates in 2026
- Ramadan 2026: ~February 27 – March 28/29
- Eid al-Fitr: ~March 28-29
- Hajj 2026: ~Late May/Early June
- Eid al-Adha: ~Late May/Early June
- Islamic New Year 1448: ~July 2026
All dates are approximate and depend on moon sighting.
Give Throughout the Year
While Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah are the peak giving seasons, families in crisis need support year-round. Umma Foundation operates in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and locally in the US — delivering aid every month, not just during holidays.
