What Is the Islamic Calendar?
The 12 Islamic Months
1. Muharram (محرّم)
2. Safar (صفر)
3. Rabi al-Awwal (ربيع الأوّل)
4. Rabi al-Thani (ربيع الثاني)
5. Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى)
6. Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الثانية)
7. Rajab (رجب)
8. Sha'ban (شعبان)
9. Ramadan (رمضان)
10. Shawwal (شوّال)
11. Dhul Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)
12. Dhul Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
The Four Sacred Months
Key Islamic Dates in 2026
Give Throughout the Year
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 is1447 AH(Anno Hegirae).
The first month — one of the four sacred months. The 10th of Muharram isAshura, when fasting is recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.
The second month. In pre-Islamic times, Arabs considered it unlucky, but Islam rejected this superstition.
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.
The fourth month. Also called Rabi al-Akhir.
The fifth month. One of the pre-summer months.
The sixth month. Also called Jumada al-Akhirah.
The seventh month — one of the four sacred months. The 27th of Rajab marksIsra and Mi'raj— the Prophet's night journey and ascension to heaven.
The eighth month. The 15th night isShab-e-Barat(Night of Forgiveness). This month serves as preparation for Ramadan, and the Prophet would fast frequently during Sha'ban.
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.
The tenth month. It begins withEid al-Fitr— the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Fasting 6 days of Shawwal after Eid is highly recommended.
The eleventh month — one of the four sacred months and the beginning of the Hajj season.
The twelfth and final month — one of the four sacred months. It contains the Hajj pilgrimage (8th-12th), the Day of Arafah (9th), andEid al-Adha(10th). The first 10 days are among the most blessed of the year.
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.
All dates are approximate and depend on moon sighting.
While Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah are the peak giving seasons, families in crisis need support year-round.Umma Foundationoperates in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and locally in the US — delivering aid every month, not just during holidays.
