Unlike the Gregorian calendar which is the commonly used calendar throughout the world, Muslims mark the passing of the years via the Islamic, or Hijra calendar, and the historical and religious milestones that are spread throughout its 12 months.
The conception of the calendar came about due to simple legal questions that came about as a result of the confusion about whether or not debts should be paid by this Ramadan, or next Ramadan. It was decided that a dedicated calendar was required to clarify the administrative processes required in the establishment of a society.
And because at that time the Muslim community had gained great success. And was establishing its prime position in the world, the leaders felt that they should have a calendar of their own.
The calendar was devised to reflect the most significant religious and historical events of the Islamic year. It was named the Hijra to mark the journey the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made from Mecca the Medina to escape persecution.
Following the course of the moon
The calendar follows a lunar cycle. Each month will start with the sighting of the new moon, and for this reason the Islamic calendar tends to be about ten days shorter than the established Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun.
Although the Gregorian calendar is primarily used as the main roadmap for all civil, commercial and administrative dates, the Hijra is adhered to strictly in terms of religious holidays and festivals. In modern society Muslims run both calendars side by side.
The months of the calendar
The months of the Islamic calendar are as follows:
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi al Awwal
- Rabi al-Akhar
- Jamada Al-Awal
- Jamada al-thani
- Rajab
- Shaban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhul-Qadah
- Dhul-Hijjah
Muharram – this first month is derived from the word ‘forbidden’. Soldiers were prohibited rom fighting during this month. It is also a month in which fasts are subject to great reward.
The 10th day of Muharram is the day of Ashurah – the day when the prophet Musa crossed the Red Sea, and the Pharoah drowned when attempting to chase them.
Safar – to ‘safir’ a place is to leave it. After a month when fighting was prohibited, the next month the soldiers would leave their homes and return to battle.
Rabi al Awwal – the third month of the Islamic calendar is also known as the ’first spring’. In this month the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was both born and died. Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers and salutations, and fast every Monday (the day on which the Prophet was born).
Rabi al-Akhar – the ‘last spring’ is a month in which Muslims can continue their salutations and prayers, and deepen the good habits they made during the previous months.
Jamada Al-Awal and Jamada Al-Thani – translated as ‘parched land’ there are no significant meanings given for these months.
Rajab – during Rajab, which means respect, Muslims are expected to start their spiritual preparations for the holiest of months, Ramadan.
Shaban – the preparations of the previous months are increased during Shaban, which is translated as ‘consecutively escalating or undisturbed increase’.
Ramadan – this ninth month of the Islamic calendar is recognized as the most holy, and known as the month is which Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. This incredibly spiritual month encourages all Muslims to concentrate on purifying their thoughts and bodies, remove negative an evil thoughts, and increase charity giving.
Shawwal – the start of Shawwal sees the celebration of Eid-ul Fitr – three days of festivities in which Mulsims are not allowed to fast. Rather these days are spent celebrating with their friends, family and neighbours and enjoying their food.
Dhul-Qadah – translated as ‘one sitting in truce’, this month is seen as a sacred month during which they would not fight their enemies.
Dhul Hijjah – the month of the famous pilgrimage, during which Muslims across the world travel to Mecca.
