The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar comprised of twelve months that hold deep significance for Muslims worldwide. Unlike the Gregorian calendar which follows the solar cycle, the Islamic calendar aligns with the cycles of the moon, marking important religious events and shaping daily practices. This article delves into the names, meanings, and some of the key observances associated with each Islamic month, drawing references from the Holy Quran, and the revered Hadith collections of Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

1. Muharram (The Forbidden Month)

• The first and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, marking the beginning of the Hijri year. The sanctity of Muharram is emphasized in the Quran, Surah At-Tawbah, verse 36: “Indeed, the number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve [lunar] months in Allah’s register from the day He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred: Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab.“ [Quran 9:36]
• Sahih Bukhari narrates a Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Verily, the year is twelve months, whereof four are forbidden…” [Sahih Bukhari, Book 31, Hadith 130] signifying the importance of refraining from violence and conflict during this time.
• Muharram is also observed as the month of Ashura, commemorating the day Prophet Moses (AS) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh. Additionally, Shia Muslims observe the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) at Karbala during this month.

2. Safar (The Month of Distinction)

• The second month, with no specific religious observances attached to it.
• Pre-Islamic Arabs associated Safar with bad luck. Sahih Muslim dispels this notion with a Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There is no such thing as Gharar (unforeseen evil) or Safar (unlucky month).” [Sahih Muslim, Book 15, Hadith 4090]

3. Rabi’ al-Awwal (The First Spring)

• The third month, believed to be named after the spring season in Arabia.
• Holds immense significance as the month of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth. Muslims celebrate Mawlid during this month to commemorate his birthday and reflect on his teachings.

4. Rabi’ ath-Thani (The Second Spring)

• The fourth month, following Rabi’ al-Awwal.
• There are no specific religious observances mandated during this month.

5. Jumada al-Awwal (The First Parched Land)

• The fifth month, possibly named due to the scarcity of water during this time in Arabia.
• There are no specific religious rites in this month.

6. Jumada al-Thani (The Second Parched Land)

• The sixth month, following Jumada al-Awwal.
• Similar to Jumada al-Awwal, there are no specific religious practices associated with this month.

7. Rajab (The Sacred Month)

• The seventh month, one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran.
• Warfare and violence are strictly forbidden during this time. Sahih Bukhari emphasizes this in a Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The blood [shed] during the Sacred Months is more grievous to Allah than on any other day…” [Sahih Bukhari, Book 31, Hadith 128]

8. Sha’ban (The Neglected Month)

• The eighth month, sometimes referred to as the “neglected month” because it falls between the revered months of Rajab and Ramadan.
• Muslims often use this time for increased prayer, recitation of Quran, and spiritual preparation for the upcoming Ramadan.

9. Ramadan (The Month of Fasting)

• The ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar.
• Muslims worldwide observe the obligatory fast of Ramadan during this month, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The Quran establishes the importance of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185: “The month of Ramadan [is the month] in which the Quran was sent down, as guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” [Quran 2:185] Muslims dedicate Ramadan to prayer, charity, and strengthening their connection with Allah (SWT).

10. Shawwal (The Month of Reward)

• The tenth month, following Ramadan.
• Eid al-Fitr, the joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan, falls on the first day of Shawwal. Muslims gather for Eid prayers, exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and celebrate the successful completion of Ramadan.
• While not mandatory, observing six days of voluntary fasts during Shawwal is highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Sahih Muslim narrates a Hadith where he said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he had fasted for a year.” [Sahih Muslim, Book 6, Hadith 2686] This Hadith highlights the immense reward associated with fasting these six days.
• These voluntary fasts can be observed consecutively or spread out throughout Shawwal, offering flexibility for those who may have missed some fasts during Ramadan due to illness or travel.
• Fasting these six days is believed to compensate for any shortcomings or imperfections in one’s Ramadan fasts.

11. Dhu al-Qadah (The Month of Sitting Down)

• The eleventh month, another of the four sacred months during which fighting is prohibited.
• The name “Dhu al-Qadah” might refer to pilgrims settling in Mecca in preparation for Hajj. Sahih Muslim records a Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Hajj is Arafah.” [Sahih Muslim, Book 8, Hadith 1269] This emphasizes the importance of the Day of Arafah, which falls on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, as the central pillar of Hajj.
• Dhu al-Qadah serves as a period of preparation and spiritual cleansing for pilgrims undertaking Hajj.

12. Dhu al-Hijjah (The Month of Pilgrimage)

• The twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, also one of the sacred months.
• Dhu al-Hijjah is the pinnacle of the Islamic year, marked by the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.
• The rituals of Hajj include circumambulating the Kaaba, standing on the plain of عرفات (Arafat) during wuquf عرفات (the الوقوف – standing), spending the night in Muzdalifah, throwing stones at the Jamarat during رمي الجمرات (ramy al-jamarat), sacrificing an animal (Eid al-Adha), and shaving their heads.
• The 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah marks Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (AS) as an act of obedience to God. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by sharing meat with the less fortunate and spending time with family and friends.

Conclusion

The Islamic calendar serves as a roadmap for Muslims, guiding them through observances, rituals, and periods of reflection throughout the year. Each month holds its own significance, shaping spiritual practices and fostering a deeper connection with Allah (SWT). Understanding the Islamic months allows for a richer appreciation of Islamic faith and traditions.