12 Islamic Months – Meaning, Importance & Hijri Calendar Overview

The Islamic calendar, or Hijri Calendar, is a system used by Muslims all over the world for the determination of fasting seasons, religious events, and historic milestones based on the lunar cycles.

Unlike the Gregorian Calendar, which runs on the solar cycle, the months in the Islamic calendar are based on moon phases and, therefore, are 10-12 days shorter each year.

This guide takes you through the 12 Islamic months, their meanings, significance, and influence in a Muslim’s life. If you wish to know more about Ramadan, Muharram, or the Sacred months, this article adequately explains how to increase your knowledge for each case.

What is the Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar)?

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months, each lasting 29 or 30 days.

It was created in 639 CE during Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s rule with the marking of the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

Lunar Calendar vs. Gregorian Calendar

• The Gregorian calendar is based on the solar system, consisting of 365 days.  
• The Hijri calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, consisting of roughly 354 days.  
• The months in Islam are non-fixed, which means Ramadan and other events can span multiple seasons depending on the year.  

Origin and History of the Islamic Calendar

• Caliph Umar proposed it in a bid to improve the standardization of Islamic dates.  
• Historically, it is based on the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which represented a new start for Muslims.  
• Years are denoted as AH, which means “After Hijrah.”  

How Many Days Are in the Islamic Calendar?

• An Islamic year normally consists of 354 or 355 days.  
• The month of Dhul-Hijjah has a variable length, ranging from 29 to 30 days, based on moon sightings.  

Structure of the Hijri Year: Moon Cycle and Leap Years

• Months of the year are repeated, but cycles have 30 days.  
• Like some other lunar calendars, no extra months would be added.  
• To maintain a balance for the calendar, the 30-year cycle adjusts Dhul-Hijjah.

List of the 12 Islamic Months in Order (with Arabic Names)

Here’s a quick reference table for all Islamic months:

Islamic Month	Arabic Name	Meaning
Muharram	مُحَرَّم	Forbidden/Sacred
Safar	صَفَر	Void/Empty
Rabi’ al-Awwal	رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل	First Spring
Rabi’ al-Thani	رَبِيع الثاني	Second Spring
Jumada al-Awwal	جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ	First of Dryness
Jumada al-Thani	جُمَادَىٰ الآخِرَة	Second of Dryness
Rajab	رَجَب	Respect/Honor
Sha’ban	شَعْبان	Scattered
Ramadan	رَمَضَان	Burning Heat
Shawwal	شَوّال	Raised
Dhu al-Qadah	ذُو القَعْدَة	Month of Truce
Dhul-Hijjah	ذو الحِجّة	Month of Pilgrimage

Meaning and Significance of Each Islamic Month

Each Islamic month holds unique spiritual, historical, and cultural importance. Below is a detailed breakdown:

1. Muharram (المحرّم)

• Meaning: “Forbidden” – One of the four sacred months.
• Key Events:
  • Day of Ashura (10th Muharram): Fasting, mourning for Imam Hussain (RA).
  • Marks the Islamic New Year.

2. Safar (صفر)

• Meaning: “Void” – Ever in history, following a period of fights or travel.
• Important Aspects: Disregarding previous superstitions, for Muslims, this month is important due to relocating.

3. Rabi’ al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)

• Meaning: “First Spring” – A Month of Celebration.
• Important Aspects: Muhammad, Peace be Upon His Birthday

4. Rabi’ al-Thani (ربيع الآخر)

• Meaning: “Second Spring” – Ongoing rejuvenation, renewal
• Important Occurrences: The death of prominent Islamic leaders.

5. Jumada al-Awwal (جمادى الأولى)

• Meaning: “First of Dryness” – Traditionally regarded as a period of little precipitation.

6. Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الآخرة)

• Meaning: “Second of Dryness” – Signifies the end of the dry period.
• Important Occurrences: Death of Fatimah al-Zahra (RA).

7. Rajab (رجب)

• Meaning: “Respect” – A holy month.
• Important Occurrences: Prophet’s night journey: Isra and Mi’raj.

8. Sha’ban (شعبان)

• Meaning: “Scattered” – Organizes Muslims to observe Ramadan.
• Importance: A month of forgiveness and prayers offered during the night.

9. Ramadan (رمضان)

• Meaning: “Burning Heat” – A Period for fasting, praying, and reading the Quran.
• Important Occurrences: Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power).

10. Shawwal (شوّال)

• Meaning: “Raised” – Marks Eid al-Fitr.
• Importance: The Festivity that follows Ramadan.

11. Dhu al-Qadah (ذو القعدة)

• Meaning: “Month of Truce” – A sacred month before Hajj.

12. Dhul-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)

• Meaning: “Month of Pilgrimage” – Season for hajj.
• Important Occurrences: Eid al-Adha and the Day of Arafah

4 Sacred Months in Islam & Their Importance

Islam designates four sacred months during which fighting is prohibited:

• Muharram
• Rajab
• Dhu al-Qadah
• Dhul-Hijjah

Why Conflict Is Forbidden in These Months

• Allows safe pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah).
• Encourages peace and reflection.

Spiritual and Social Relevance

• Increased rewards for good deeds.
• Time for self-purification and charity.

Top 5 Most Important Islamic Months (and Why)

• Muharram – Sacred month of mourning and renewal.
• Rajab – Spiritual preparation for Ramadan.
• Ramadan – Fasting, the Quran, and divine mercy.
• Dhu al-Qadah – Peace before Hajj.
• Dhul-Hijjah – Hajj and Eid al-Adha.

Role of Islamic Months in Muslim Life

• Spiritual growth through fasting and prayer.
• Charity (Zakat, Sadaqah) in key months.
• Strengthens Islamic identity and unity.

FAQs About the Islamic Calendar & Months

What are the 12 Islamic months?

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, Dhul-Hijjah.

Which is the first Islamic month?

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Which Islamic month is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri calendar.

What makes a month sacred in Islam?

Four months (Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah) are sacred due to divine command and historical significance. 

How do Islamic months shift every year?

Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, it shifts 10-12 days earlier each Gregorian year.

Why is Dhul-Hijjah important?

It’s the month of Hajj (pilgrimage) and Eid al-Adha.

What is the significance of Ashura?

Ashura (10th Muharram) commemorates Prophet Musa’s (AS) victory and Imam Hussain’s martyrdom.

Can Muslims fight during sacred months?

No, fighting is prohibited unless in self-defense.

How is the Islamic calendar determined?

By moon sightings and astronomical calculations.

What is the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)?

A blessed night in Ramadan is better than 1,000 months.

Final Thoughts – Living By the Rhythm of the Islamic Months

The Islamic calendar is more than dates—it’s a spiritual guide for Muslims.

Understanding each month’s meaning helps Muslims coordinate life with faith, worship, and community. 

Summary Table of Key Events Per Month

Month	Key Event
Muharram	Islamic New Year, Ashura
Ramadan	Fasting, Laylat al-Qadr
Dhul-Hijjah	Hajj, Eid al-Adha