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Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar, or Hijri, is based on 12 lunar months. This Islamic calendar page for 2023, has key dates that all Muslims should know about.

Islamic Calendar

HIJRI 1444 • 2022 -2023

The Islamic calendar, otherwise known as the Hijri calendar, follows the lunar year. This means that Islamic months start and end in accordance with the sighting of the new moon.

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As a result, these months will fall on different dates in the Gregorian calendar every year. Every Islamic month is significant in its own way, and the importance of each is listed below.

The Month of Jamada Al Awwal

The month of Jumada Al-Awwal is otherwise known as Jumada Al-Ula, and the name derives from an Arabic term meaning dry parched land. This dryness indicates the beginning of Summer.

Shawwal

The month of Shawwal is otherwise known as the Month of Reward and is renowned for Shawwal fasting, in which Muslims reflect on and continue with the teachings of Ramadan.

Sha’ban

The month of Sha’ban is often regarded as the Neglected Month; however, since this is the month that precedes Ramadan, Sha’ban fasting is incredibly common.

The Sacred Month of Dhul Hijjah

The month of Dhul Hijjah is the holiest of all in the Islamic calendar, as this is when the Hajj pilgrimage takes place. The start of Dhul Hijjah brings many benefits, especially for those who partake in Dhul Hijjah fasting and refrain from cutting nai

The Month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is one of the most well-known Islamic months across the globe, due to Muslims partaking in a month-long fast during this time.

The Sacred Month of Dhul Qa’dah

The month of Dhul Qadah is another sacred month in which the initiation of fighting is prohibited, whilst both sins and good deeds are considered more significant.

Rajab

The month of Rajab is a sacred one, in which Muslims will make Du’a for Rajab via fasting and other methods. Fighting is prohibited during this month, and the effects of good deeds or sins are amplified.

The Month of Jamada Al-Thani

The month of Jumada Al-Awwal may also be called Jumada Al-Akhirah and, like Jumada Al-Awwal, the name derives from the Arabic word for land devoid of rain.

Rabi Al-Awwal

The month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal is also described as the Birth of the Beloved, as this marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in addition to his death.

Rabi Al-Thani

The month of Rabi’ Al-Thani is also sometimes called Jumada Al-Akhirah, and it’s recommended to recite the Holy Qur’an daily in this month, as it is every other month.

The Month of Safar

The month of Safar is known as the Month of Distinction and got its name due to many homes being vacant during this month. Allah (SWT) instructed Muslims to travel to Medina to avoid the ongoing battles in the month.

The Sacred Month of Muharram

The month of Muharram is synonymous with the month of Allah (SWT). Muslims across the globe partake in the 10th Muharram fasting in order to honour the Day of Ashura.

Islamic Months:

MONTH INFORMATION
The Month of Jamada Al Awwal

Meaning of Jumada Al-Awwal: The first month of summer.

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Shawwal

Meaning of Shawwal: To lift or carry.

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Sha’ban

Meaning of Sha’ban: To branch.

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The Sacred Month of Dhul Hijjah

Meaning of Dhul Hijjah: Inheritor to the pilgrimage.

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The Month of Ramadan

Meaning of Ramadan: Scorching heat.

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The Sacred Month of Dhul Qa’dah

Meaning of Dhul Qadah: Master of truce.

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Rajab

Meaning of Rajab: To respect.

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The Month of Jamada Al-Thani

Meaning of Jumada Al-Thani: The second month of summer.

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Rabi Al-Awwal

Meaning of Rabi’ Al-Awwal: First spring.

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Rabi Al-Thani

Meaning of Rabi’ Al-Thani: Second spring

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The Month of Safar

Meaning of Safar: Void.

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The Sacred Month of Muharram

Meaning of Muharram: Inviolable.

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Significant dates within the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar

SIGNIFICANT DAY GREGORIAN DATE HIJRI DATE
Eid ul-Fitr 22 April 1 Shawwal
The Islamic New Year 31 July 1 Muḥarram
The Day of Ashura 09 August 10 Muḥarram
Ramadan for kids 08 March 15 Sha‘ban
Ramadan is here: It’s normal to feel nervous, so we’ve got your back 23 March 1 Ramadan
Dhul Hijjah Begins 20 June 1 Thu al-Hijjah
Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj (The Night Journey and Ascension) 18 February 27 Rajab
Laylatul Qadr 18 April 27 Ramadan
The 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal 08 October 12 Rabi‘ al-awwal
Eid Al-Adha 29 June 10 Thu al-Hijjah
The Day of Arafah 28 June 9 Thu al-Hijjah
Home Page Tab 3 Where we work 15 January 22 Jumada al-akhirah
Forget your New Year's resolution: Ramadan is around the corner 06 January 13 Jumada al-akhirah
Ramadan Postcard - test 01 March 8 Sha‘ban
Channel Your Greatness in Rajab the month of Allah 14 February 23 Rajab
How to get kids involved in Ramadan with fun decorations 07 March 14 Sha‘ban
Ramadan tips, duas, recipes and more 09 March 16 Sha‘ban
Could Muslim Aid’s Zakat guide be the best available? Here’s why we think it is 15 March 22 Sha‘ban
Giving Charity on Special Nights 20 March 27 Sha‘ban
Ramadan health advice: Let’s talk protein 28 March 6 Ramadan
Your Zakat saved hundreds of earthquake victims in Indonesia – here's how 31 March 9 Ramadan
LIVE TRANSMISSION 03 April 12 Ramadan
Palestine under attack: Here’s what you need to know 05 April 14 Ramadan
Sadaqah Jariyah 06 April 15 Ramadan
As Laylat Al-Qadr approaches, here’s how you can maximise your duas 07 April 16 Ramadan
Allah King of Kings | Series 11 April 20 Ramadan
Muslim Aid’s statement on My Ten Nights 12 April 21 Ramadan
Converse with Allah SWT 15 April 24 Ramadan
The passing of former Trustee Syed Mohammad Tanzeem Wasti (1938-2023) 01 May 9 Shawwal
You voted us as the most loved humanitarian charity in the UK – thank you 10 May 19 Shawwal
How Aaqil’s search to repay his mama beyond the grave quenched a sunken village in Pakistan 15 May 24 Shawwal

* These dates are dependent on moon sightings

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