The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar which consists of 12 months. It is popularly known as the Hijri calendar. The Islamic calendar is of immense importance to Muslims globally as it is strictly followed for religious events, and spiritual practices and the Islamic historical events are always referred to in the context of the Islamic calendar.
The Gregorian calendar is solar-based but the Islamic months are based on moon cycles which leads to the calendar becoming shorter by 10-12 days each year.
This exceptionally unique system ensures that the Islamic months rotate through the different seasons over time, providing Muslims a chance to experience worship and prayers in different seasons throughout the years.
Islamic tradition throughout history has been established around the twelve months of the Islamic calendar. The different Islamic months possess distinct spiritual historical and cultural meanings that deeply affect the lives of Muslims worldwide. These sacred months serve as a symbolic representation of the faith and the rich heritage of Islam.
In this blog, we will explore the names, meanings, and significance of each Islamic month. Learning about Islamic months will help us develop a stronger understanding and appreciation for the rhythm of Muslim life and the timeless wisdom it offers.
The Islamic Months in Order
| Months | Description |
| 1.Muharram | It is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the most sacred Islamic month. It is a month for prayers, reflection and fasting, especially on the 10th day, known as Ashura. |
| 2.Safar | The second month of the Islamic calendar is known as “Safar”. The word Safar translates to “void” apparently because Arab homes were empty at this time of the year as everyone was out gathering food. |
| 3.Rabi’ al-Awwal | It is one of the most prominent Islamic months due to the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). |
| 4.Rabi’ al-Thani | It is the fourth Islamic month and the second month of spring. Sometimes it is also referred to as referred to as Rabi al-Akhirah or the last spring. |
| 5.Jumada al-Awwal | Known as the first month of dryness. It is the fifth Islamic month. |
| 6.Jumada al-Thani | The second month of dryness. It is also the month of mourning for many as Fatimah al-Zahra, the youngest daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born and also died during this month. Caliph Abu Bakr passed away during Jumada al-Thani. |
| 7.Rajab | A sacred month in which fighting or engaging in any kind of conflict is prohibited. It also marks the beginning of the spiritual season for Muslims globally. |
| 8.Sha’ban | The eighth month of the year, it is often referred to as the neglected month as it is sandwiched between Rajab and Ramadan, two of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. Nonetheless, Shaban is an important Islamic month. |
| 9.Ramadan | One of the most important times of the year, the month of Ramadan is known as the time for fasting, prayers, charity, and reflection. Muslims globally look forward to this month due to its spiritual importance. |
| 10.Shawwal | The tenth month of the year, it is also the month of Eid al-Fitr and celebrations. |
| 11.Dhu al-Qadah | A sacred month, marking the start of the pilgrimage season. It is also the third sacred month during which fighting and conflict are completely prohibited. |
| 12.Dhul-Hijjah | The final month of the Islamic calendar. It is an extremely important time for Muslims globally as Dhul-Hijjah is the time to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage and celebrate Eid al-Adha. |
Islamic Months in Arabic
| Months | Arabic Names |
| Muharram | مُحَرَّم |
| Safar | صَفَر |
| Rabi’ al-Awwal | رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل |
| Rabi’ al-Thani | رَبِيع الثاني |
| Jumada al-Awwal | جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ |
| Jumada al-Thani | جُمَادَىٰ الآخِرَة |
| Rajab | رَجَب |
| Sha’ban | شَعْبان |
| Ramadan | رَمَضَان |
| Shawwal | شَوّال |
| Dhu al-Qadah | ذُو القَعْدَة |
| Dhul-Hijjah | ذو الحِجّة |
Meaning of the Islamic Months and Their Importance
The name of each Islamic month has a unique meaning often referring to its historical significance or seasonal reference. Each of these months has a significant meaning for Muslims globally. Here are the Islamic months in order of their meaning and importance;
- Muharram – It derives the name from the word “haram” which signifies things forbidden or sacred. A sacred month of fasting, reflection and prayers, especially on the Day of Ashura (the 10th of the Month).
- Safar – It means “void” referring to the old travel habits where people travelled far and wide to gather food in this month.
- Rabi’ al-Awwal – The month Rabi’ al-Awwal represents “the first spring”. It also carries symbolism regarding growth and renewal.
- Rabi’ al-Thani – The name directly translates to “the second spring”.
- Jumada al-Awwal – Refers to “the first month of dryness” as the word Jumada in Arabic means dry/parched.
- Jumada al-Thani – Simply refers to the “second month of dryness”.
- Rajab – This important sacred month derives its name from the word “Rajaba” meaning “respect” and “honour”
- Sha’ban – The month of Sha’ban means ‘scattered’, historically referring to the dispersion of tribes during their search for water during this month.
- Ramadan – The name of Ramadan is derived from “ramad” which signifies intense heat but also implies the process of spiritual purification which the believers undergo during Ramadan.
- Shawwal – It means ‘raised’ referring to the female camels carrying a new camel fetus.
- Dhu al-Qadah – The name of the month directly means “the month of truce” referring to the period of preparation for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
- Dhul-Hijjah – The month is called “the one of pilgrimage,” referring to the holy pilgrimage of Hajj that takes place every year this month.
5 Most Important Months in Islam
All 12 Islamic months hold immense importance with many religiously significant events having taken place during these months. Here are some of the most important Islamic months;
1. Muhraam
Muharram stands as the initial month in the Islamic calendar together with being among the sacred four months in which fighting and conflict are prohibited. Muslims use this month for reflection, religious abstinence and remembrance.
Ashura stands as the most important day of the month falling on the tenth day of Muharram. Muharram commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Madina. The Shia Muslim community remembers the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) in battle against the Umayyad army in 680 CE.
2. Rajab
Rajab is the seventh Islamic month and one of the sacred months. This period is marked by spiritual preparations and night prayers. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) miraculous night journey and ascension to heaven took place on the 27th Night of Rajab popularly known as Isra and Mi’raj. Muslims should increase their spiritual practices through fasting and prayer and asking for forgiveness during the month of Rajab.
3. Ramadan
In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan stands as the ninth month, representing the holiest month. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and any other unethical conduct throughout the day between dawn and sunset.
People commit themselves to deeply religious practices along with Quran recitation while conducting charitable acts. Muslims also consider Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) which occurs during the last 10 days of Ramadan to be better than a thousand months.
Also Read:- Must follow Ramadan fasting Rules
4. Dhu al-Qadah
Dhu al-Qadah is the eleventh month and one of the sacred months. It marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season, and Muslims are encouraged to avoid conflict and focus on spiritual preparation focused on the upcoming pilgrimage of Hajj.
5. Dhul-Hijjah
The twelfth Islamic month, Dhul-Hijjah holds special significance for Islam because it is the month for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. The first ten days of this month are exceptionally highly blessed and the 9th Dhul-Hijjah (the day of Arafah) brings blessings of forgiveness through divine mercy. During Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice people celebrate the tenth day of the month.
Conclusion
Muslims base their life on the twelve Islamic months which directs their religious practices and self-reflection as well as social connections. Muslims experience one-of-a-kind blessings and teachings every month which strengthens their understanding of their religion and history ultimately bringing them closer to the almighty Allah.
Observing the rituals associated with these months allows Muslims to build stronger spiritual connections. Each month is different from the other and holds the importance of its own.
Knowing the history of each month, its meaning and what it signifies is a sure way of staying connected to the rituals associated with all 12 Islamic months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the 12 Islamic months?
A.The 12 Islamic months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qadah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
Q. What are the 4 special months in Islam?
A.The four sacred months in Islam are Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qadah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
Q. What are the Islamic months?
A. The Islamic months are the 12 lunar months that make up the Hijri calendar, used by Muslims to determine religious observances and events.
Q. Which is the first Islamic month?
A. Muharram is the first of twelve Islamic months.
Q. How many days are there in an Islamic calendar?
A. The Islamic calendar is lunar based and some 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. It has about 354-355 days per year.
Q. Which Islamic month is Ramadan?
A. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri calendar. It is one of the most awaited and celebrated months in Islam due to its spiritual importance.