What is the Islamic (Hijri) calendar?
The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar with 12 months. Each month begins with the new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days, so the year is about 354 or 355 days. It is used to decide the dates of Ramadan, the two Eids and the Hajj. Year 1 AH marks the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah.
The 12 Islamic months
| # | Month | Arabic | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muharram | المحرم | Sacred month; the first month of the year |
| 2 | Safar | صفر | |
| 3 | Rabiʿ al-Awwal | ربيع الأول | |
| 4 | Rabiʿ al-Thani | ربيع الآخر | |
| 5 | Jumada al-Awwal | جمادى الأولى | |
| 6 | Jumada al-Thani | جمادى الآخرة | |
| 7 | Rajab | رجب | Sacred month |
| 8 | Shaʿban | شعبان | The month before Ramadan |
| 9 | Ramadan | رمضان | Month of fasting |
| 10 | Shawwal | شوال | Begins with Eid al-Fitr |
| 11 | Dhu al-Qiʿdah | ذو القعدة | Sacred month |
| 12 | Dhu al-Hijjah | ذو الحجة | Month of Hajj; sacred month; Eid al-Adha |
Important Islamic dates
| Occasion | Hijri date | About |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic New Year | 1 Muharram | The first day of the Hijri year. |
| Day of Ashura | 10 Muharram | A day on which many Muslims fast. |
| Ramadan begins | 1 Ramadan | The start of the month of fasting. |
| Laylat al-Qadr | Last ten nights of Ramadan | The Night of Power, which Muslims seek in the last ten nights, especially the odd-numbered nights. |
| Eid al-Fitr | 1 Shawwal | Marks the end of Ramadan. |
| Day of Arafah | 9 Dhu al-Hijjah | The day pilgrims stand at Arafah during Hajj. Many other Muslims fast. |
| Eid al-Adha | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah | The festival of sacrifice. |
How the start of each month is decided
Traditionally, each month begins when the new crescent moon is sighted. Some countries and organizations use astronomical calculation instead. This page uses the Umm al-Qura calendar, which is calculated and is the official calendar in Saudi Arabia. Because of the different methods, the date in your country or community may differ by a day, especially for Ramadan and the Eids. Always confirm these with your local mosque or announcement.
Frequently asked questions
What is today's Islamic (Hijri) date?
See the date at the top of this page. It is worked out in your browser using the Umm al-Qura calendar and updates every day.
Why do Islamic dates move each year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar. A lunar year is about 354 or 355 days, roughly 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so Islamic dates such as Ramadan and Eid move earlier by that much each year.
When does Ramadan start?
The “Upcoming Islamic dates” list above shows the expected first day of Ramadan, along with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The final start of Ramadan in your community depends on the local moon sighting or announcement.
Is this the same as the moon-sighting date in my country?
Not always. This page uses the Umm al-Qura calendar, which is calculated and used in Saudi Arabia. Many communities start their months by sighting the moon, or follow their own national or local authority, so your local date can differ by a day.
When does the Islamic day begin?
In the Islamic tradition each day begins at sunset (Maghrib). The converter on this page uses the calendar date that changes at midnight, so after sunset the Hijri day in practice may already be the next one.
How many days are in an Islamic month?
Each month has 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon. The year has 12 months.
Which are the sacred months?
Four months are sacred: Dhu al-Qiʿdah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.