Living a Devotional Sufi Life with Hijri Calendar

The Islamic calendar (also known as the Hijri calendar) has deep significance for all Muslims. It is the pivot around which the lives of devout Muslims revolves.

TLDR;

Here are the quick links if you want to dive right into the months.

• Muharram
• Safar
• Rabi al-Awwal
• Rabi al-Thani
• Jumada al-Awwal
• Jumada ath-Thaniyah
• Rajab
• Shaban
• Ramadan
• Shawwal
• Dhu al-Qadah
• Dhu al-Hijjah

Deeper Dive Into the Fascinating Hijri Calendar

Table of Content

Why is it Important to Understand the Lunar Islamic Calendar?
A Brief History of Islamic Calendar
Why the Islamic Calendar is Known as the Hijri Calendar
How to Convert Between Western (Gregorian) and Islamic (Hijri) Calendar
How Many Months In the Islamic Calendar?
Selecting the Starting Month of the Hijri Islamic Calendar
The Sacred Months of the Islamic Calendar
Weeks & Days in Islamic Calendar
The Months of Islamic Calendar Including the Sacred Days and Days of Power
Key Islamic Dates mapped to Gregorian calendar 2025

Why is it Important to Understand the Hijri Islamic Calendar?

There are some obvious reasons why understanding the Islamic calendar is essential. For example, our obligatory fasting begins on the 1st of Ramadan and ends on the 1st of Shawwal. But beyond the month of Ramadan, the Islamic calendar is filled with spiritually significant days and months that are rooted in the Quran and Hadith.

Throughout the year, there are days when prayers and supplications are believed to hold the greatest likelihood of being accepted. Examples include the Night of Ascension (Lailat al-Miraj), the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Sacrifice), and many other occasions that are highlighted in Islamic traditions. These special days provide opportunities for heightened devotion, reflection, and prayer.

For those of us who are aspiring to live a spiritual Sufi life, knowing and aligning with the Islamic calendar helps us track our spiritual journey. The Islamic calendar synchronizes our devotional practices with key moments of divine significance.

By juxtaposing the Islamic calendar with the commonly used Gregorian calendar, we can ensure that we remain connected to these sacred times, maximizing their spiritual significance in our lives.

This document is created as a practical guide to understanding and then tracking the Islamic calendar throughout the year. As we journey through this yearlong devotional, we will grow in their understanding of our cultural history and better understand how we can love and serve God and realize His presence in our lives.

These days are sanctuaries in time, opportunities to engage in the spiritual world, enter holy time, and receive blessing from the Almighty. They are days of elevated holiness, set aside for prayer, study, and worship. They create an annual cycle of sanctification that keeps us on track with God, growing and maturing in spirituality from year to year. These holy days offer opportunities for connecting with our Creator.

02. A Brief History of Islamic Calendar

The Sumerian calendar, developed in 3100 BC in Mesopotamia, was one of the earliest recorded calendars. While innovative for its time, it and its successors faced challenges as they were designed for a simpler way of life.

By the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), no universally accepted calendar system existed. The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE, had added extra days, which eventually led to inaccuracies. The Gregorian calendar, established much later in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, had not yet been created.

During the caliphate of Abu Bakr and the early years of Umar’s rule, the Islamic community still did not have a formal calendar system in place.

As the Islamic empire expanded and communication with distant provinces became essential, it became clear that there existed a need for a reliable dating system for managing financial and administrative affairs.

The idea of formalizing the Islamic calendar arose during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab (c. 582–644). Hazrat Umar, also known as the Commander of the Faithful, was the second Rashidun caliph and ruled from August 634.

A Muslim governor once wrote to Caliph Hazrat Umar, pointing out that the lack of dates on the letters he sent was causing confusion regarding his commands. With the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire during Hazrat Umar’s caliphate, there was also a growing need for accurate financial record-keeping.

Hazrat Umar canvassed the people for choosing the starting point—the “Year One” of the calendar.

Umar is reported to have said to the group of advisors around him: “We have a significant amount of income, but we’ve been distributing it without keeping track of exact dates. How can we fix this?”

Hazrat Umar received many suggestions regarding the Islamic calendar.

Suggestions were made, including adopting the Persian or Jewish eras, but these were rejected. The Persian system lacked a fixed starting point. It did not have an epoch year and it always started entirely anew with the ascension to the throne of each new king. The Jewish system was considered too distant historically as it was based on Alexander.

Hazrat Umar dismissed the idea of beginning with the Prophet’s birth, as it resembled the Christian calendar, which starts with the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him). He also rejected using the Prophet’s passing, as it was a deeply sorrowful event for the Muslim community.

After careful consideration, Hazrat Umar chose the Hijrah—the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah—as the starting point of the calendar. This event marked a turning point in Islamic history, symbolizing the distinction between truth and falsehood and the establishment of the Islamic community.

The Islamic calendar was finalized in the year 17 AH, during the fourth year of Hazrat Umar’s caliphate.

Prior to the establishment of the Islamic calendar, years were named after significant events. The first ten years of the Hijra were not numbered, but were named after events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The year of permission.
The year of the order of fighting.
The year of the trial.
The year of congratulation on marriage.
The year of the earthquake.
The year of enquiring.
The year of gaining victory.
The year of equality.
The year of exemption.
The year of farewell.

This practice of naming years after major events was later discontinued with the adoption of the Hijri calendar.

The Islamic calendar enabled Muslim scholars to document history systematically. A notable example is Al-Biruni’s book, The “Remaining Signs of Past Centuries” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Remaining_Signs_of_Past_Centuries) written in 390AH / 1000 AD.

This book (“Remaining Signs of Past Centuries”) also known as “Chronology of Ancient Nations”, is a comparative study of calendars and timekeeping across cultures, enriched with mathematical, astronomical, and historical insights. In his book, al-Biruni establishes a universal timeline, linking major events, customs, and religions of various civilizations.

Why the Islamic Calendar is Known as the Hijri Calendar

The Islamic calendar is called the Hijri calendar because it begins from the year of the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event marked a significant turning point in Islamic history, symbolizing the establishment of the first Muslim community and the beginning of a new era for Islam.

The term “Hijri” is derived from the Arabic word Hijrah (migration), highlighting the calendar’s connection to this pivotal moment. By using the Hijra as its starting point, the Islamic calendar reflects the spiritual and communal significance of this event in shaping the identity of the Muslim Ummah.

In Western usage, Islamic dates are often marked as AH, which stands for Anno Hegirae (Latin for “Year of the Hijrah”). Dates before the start of the Islamic calendar are referred to as B.H. (Before Hijri).

How to Convert Between Western (Gregorian) and Islamic (Hijri) Calendar

To roughly convert an Islamic calendar year (AH) into a Gregorian equivalent (A.D./C.E.), or vice versa, use one of the following equations.

AD = 622 + (32/33 x AH)

AH = 33/32 x (AD – 622)

Based on this formula, 2024 AD (Western) translates into 1446 AH (Islamic).

Despite the uncertainties of lunar sightings observing the moon directly remains vital for key Islamic dates, embodying the profound spiritual devotion of Muslims who strive to uphold both the essence and precise requirements of God’s commandments in worship, fasting, Hajj, and other acts of faith.

How Many Months Are in the Islamic Calendar?

Deciding the number of months in the Islamic calendar was simple, as Allah has already given the answer in the Quran.

In Surah At-Tawbah (9:36), it is stated:
“…Surely, the number of months according to Allah is twelve…”
Thus, the Islamic year, like the solar year, consists of twelve months.

The Islamic calendar kept the same month names that people in Arabia were already using.

The Islamic calendar consists of the following 12 months:
• Muharram
• Safar
• Rabi al-Awwal
• Rabi al-Thani
• Jumada al-Awwal
• Jumada ath-Thaniyah
• Rajab
• Shaban
• Ramadan
• Shawwal
• Dhu al-Qadah
• Dhu al-Hijjah

Each month in the Islamic calendar begins when the new moon is first seen as a thin sliver in the sky, marking the start of a new lunar cycle. If the new moon is not sighted after 29 days, then the month will complete 30 days.

This method means that months can be either 29 or 30 days long, depending on factors like the Moon’s position and local weather conditions affecting visibility.

Each month in the Islamic calendar begins when the new moon becomes visible to the human eye.

While the timing of the new moon can be calculated, actually seeing it depends on factors like weather, atmospheric conditions, and where you are. This makes it hard to predict exactly when a month will start.

Some Muslims rely on local sightings of the moon, while others follow announcements from other regions. Both approaches are valid but can result in different starting dates for the same month.

Selecting the Starting Month of the Hijri Islamic Calendar

In designing the Islamic calendar, the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah was selected as the starting year of the calendar.

The next question was which month should start the year?

Some suggested Rabi al-Awwal, as it was the month when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah after the Hijrah. However, the actual intention to migrate had been made earlier, in the month of Muharram.

In the 13th year of Prophethood, the Ansar (Muslims from Madinah) pledged allegiance to the Prophet on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah during Hajj. After completing the pilgrimage, they returned to Madinah at the end of Dhul Hijjah. Shortly after, in Muharram, the Prophet made the intention to migrate and gave his companions permission to do the same.

Hazrat Uthman and Hazrat Ali suggested starting the calendar with Muharram, as it marks the return of pilgrims from Hajj and the beginning of a new phase. Hazrat Umar agreed with them, and Muharram was chosen as the first month of the Islamic calendar.

The Sacred Months of the Islamic Calendar

Out of the 12 months in a year, God has made 4 of them sacred. The 4 sacred months are as follows:

Muharram
Rajab
Dhu al-Qadah
Dhu al-Hijjah

The last three months, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Ḥijjah, Muḥarram are consecutive months, while Rajab falls in the middle of the (lunar) year.

The understanding that certain months are sacred, during which fighting and bloodshed are forbidden, predates Islam. However, pre-Islamic Arabs would alter these sacred months to suit their convenience, sometimes even adding extra months to the year.

Islam prohibited such manipulations, affirming the sanctity of these months as ordained by God. It was clarified that while acts of worship during these months carry greater reward, sinful actions committed in them also incur more severe consequences.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions respected the sacred months as ordained by God. However, historical accounts mention a particular event, the Nakhla raid, which occurred during a sacred month. In this incident, a group of companions, on a mission led by Abdullah ibn Jahsh, misunderstood the Prophet’s instructions and engaged in fighting during Rajab, a sacred month. This act was not sanctioned by the Prophet, and upon learning about it, he expressed disapproval.

The Muslims felt deep remorse for violating the sacred month. However, the Quran soon addressed the incident, stressing the importance of respecting sacred months while also highlighting the greater injustices committed by the Quraysh, such as persecuting Muslims and driving them from their homes (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:217). This revelation brought comfort and eased the burden on their hearts.

The sacred months are significant not just for prohibiting fighting and war but also as times of immense power and blessing. Prayers made during these months hold special merit and are more likely to be answered.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said [according to al-Suyuti]: “Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah.” A Sufi life that revolves around the Islamic calendar especially notes these unique attributes of each sacred month.

RAJAB: During the month of Rajab prayers for forgiveness are especially accepted and Allah forgives wrongdoers. Sufis would do Istighfar dhikr during this month. Many people have reported unexpected blessings from doing the Istighfar dhikr.
SHABAN: In Shaban, Allah revealed the ayah commanding Salawat: “Allah and His angels bless the Prophet. Believers, invoke blessings and peace on him.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56). During the month of Shaban, Sufi saints used to immerse themselves in sending Salawat on the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Salawat attracts God’s affection, purifies deeds, illuminates the grave, and fulfills worldly and eternal desires through continuous recitation. It is said that sending 10 salawat upon the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his household brings 1,000 salawat from God and His angels, while sending 1,000 salawat ensures protection from hellfire.
RAMADAN: In the month of Ramadan, Sufi mystics immerse themselves in fasting and prayers as taught by the Quran, Hadith and Sunnah.

Week & Days in Islamic Calendar

In the Islamic calendar days are mostly named based on their order.

Sunday is the first day of the week, and Saturday is the seventh and last. The exception is Friday, which is named after the special midday prayer when the community gathers for worship.

Following are the days of the week in each month.

• Sunday: Yawm al-Aḥad (the 1st day)
• Monday: al-Ithnayn (the 2nd day)
• Tuesday: al-Thalatha (the 3rd day)
• Wednesday: al-Arbiaa (the 4th day)
• Thursday: al-Khamis (the 5th day)
• Friday: al-Jumuah (the gathering day)
• Saturday: al-Sabt (the rest day)

In Islamic calendar, the day begins at sunset and ends at the end of daylight on the next day.

The new weeks begins after sunset on Saturday.

The Months of Islamic Calendar Including the Sacred Days and the Days of Power

Muharram

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months, holds great importance in Islamic tradition. The Arabic word ‘Muharram’ means prohibited or forbidden. During these months, warfare is prohibited.

During Muharram, the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was initially designated as the first Qibla for Muslims before the direction of prayer was changed to the Kaaba in Makkah.

Hazrat Umar’s son Ubayd said: “Al-Muharram is the month of God, marking the start of the year and the beginning of the Islamic calendar. During this month, the Kabah is adorned with new coverings, and coins are minted. It also contains a special day when those who repent are forgiven.”

Each year on the 1st of Muharram, the Kiswa —the exquisite black cloth adorning the Kaaba—is ceremoniously replaced, symbolizing renewal and purity. This centuries-old tradition reflects the reverence and sanctity of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site.

The old Kiswah is cut into pieces after removal and distributed to dignitaries, museums, and organizations. The curtain covering the Kaaba’s door, gifted by Saudi Arabia to the UN, is a masterpiece of Islamic art. Made of black-dyed silk, it is embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver threads by skilled artisans in Makkah. Flanked by green drapes matching the Saudi flag, the curtain is a stunning example of Islamic decorative craftsmanship.

The tenth day of Muharram, Ashura, is a momentous day of remembrance in Islam. The Day of Ashura is the day in which the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) took place. Imam Husayn ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the third Shia imam.

Imam Husayn, along with his family and companions, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid ibn Muawiya. Many Muslims mark this day with reflection, prayer, and fasting, while Shia Muslims observe mourning rituals and processions throughout the first ten days of Muharram, culminating on Ashura.

Safar

Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar, derives its name from the Arabic word for “travel.” This likely refers to the pre-Islamic tradition of people undertaking journeys during this time, often for trade or other purposes.

In pre-Islamic times, Safar was associated with superstitions and viewed by some as a month of bad luck. Islam, however, dismissed such beliefs, emphasizing that no month or time carries inherent misfortune. Muslims are encouraged to focus on acts of worship, trust in Allah, and reject baseless superstitions, understanding that blessings and challenges are part of life regardless of the time of year.

The Prophet migrated to Madinah from Makkah in the month of Safar. He fell ill in this month. Prophet’s daughter, Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) got married during the month of Safar. Hasan Ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away during month.

Rabi al-Awwal

Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound meaning for Muslims worldwide. It marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in 570 CE, an event widely commemorated as Mawlid al-Nabi, or the Prophet’s Birthday.

The 8th or 9th date in this month is typically marked as the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) birthday.

This month serves as a time for reflection on the Prophet’s life, teachings, and character. Muslims express their devotion through acts such as sending blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet, engaging in charitable deeds, and participating in gatherings to honor his legacy. On such occasions, sweets and drinks are often shared, symbolizing joy and community.

The tradition of Mawlid stems from the Sunnah. The Prophet’s companions would gather to thank Allah for the blessing of the Prophet (peace be upon him), distribute food, recite poetry such as that of Hassan Ibn Thabit, and reflect on his birth and life. These practices form the foundation of modern Mawlid gatherings. The Prophet himself observed Mondays with fasting, acknowledging it as the day of his birth (Sahih Muslim).

Although many Muslims dedicate Rabi al-Awwal to commemorating the Prophet, Mawlid is not confined to this month. Speaking about the Prophet’s life or praising him is also considered a form of Mawlid, requiring no specific day, venue, or large gathering. It can be as simple as two people engaging in a heartfelt discussion about his legacy.

Rabi al-Awwal is also a month of mixed emotions, as it marks the passing of the Prophet (peace be upon him) at the age of 62 in 11 AH (632 CE), reminding Muslims of both the joy of his birth and the loss of his presence.

Rabi al-Thani

Rabi al-Thani, also known as Rabi al-Akhir, is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar. While it is not one of the four officially designated sacred months in Islam, it holds special value for many Muslims due to its association with Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (may Allah have mercy on him), one of the most revered figures in Islamic history and Sufism.

The 11th of Rabi al-Thani marks the death anniversary of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, often honored as the “Saint of Saints.” He passed away in 1166 CE (561 AH), and this day, referred to in some traditions as Gyarvi Sharif, is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal. Muslims commemorate his life through Quran recitation, acts of charity, and gatherings that celebrate his teachings and legacy.

Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani’s life was a shining example of piety, humility, and devotion to Allah. His legacy, rooted in self-purification, service to humanity, and unwavering faith, continues to inspire millions.

Jumada al-Awwal

Jumada al-Awwal, the fifth month of the Islamic calendar, derives its name from the Arabic word “Jumad,” meaning “dry.” When the month of Jumada al-Awwal was first named, it likely coincided with a dry season. However, because the lunar calendar shifts by about 10–12 days each year relative to the solar calendar, the months no longer correspond to specific seasons. This historical context explains the origin of the name, even though it no longer reflects a fixed time of year.

While not one of the sacred months, it is historically noteworthy in Islamic tradition.

Notable events in this month include the Battle of Mutah in 629 CE (8 AH), an important encounter between the Muslims and the Byzantine Empire, and the passing of Caliph Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) in 634 CE (13 AH), the first Caliph of Islam and a key figure in preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

Jumada al-Awwal serves as a time for Muslims to reflect on these historical lessons, remain steadfast in worship, and engage in acts of kindness, continuing their spiritual journey throughout the year.

Jumada ath-Thaniyah

Jumada ath-Thaniyah, also known as Jumada al-Akhirah, is the sixth month of the Islamic calendar. Its name, meaning “the second month of dryness,” originates from pre-Islamic Arabia, reflecting the seasonal conditions when the months were first named. However, as the Islamic lunar calendar shifts annually, it no longer aligns with specific seasons.

While Jumada ath-Thaniyah does not hold specific religious observances in Islamic tradition, it is a time for Muslims to continue their spiritual practices, acts of worship, and reflection. Like all months in the Islamic calendar, it offers an opportunity to deepen one’s connection with Allah and perform good deeds.

Rajab

Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months in which warfare is prohibited. Its name, meaning “to honor” or “respect,” reflects its spiritual significance.

According to a Hadith, Rajab is the month of forgiveness and acceptance of prayers.

Rajab is particularly notable for the Isra and Miraj, an extraordinary event believed to have taken place on the 27th night of this month in the year 621 CE (1 BH).

The Isra and Miraj, often referred to as the Night Journey, are described in Islamic tradition as both a physical and spiritual journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). A brief mention of this event is found in Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17) of the Quran, with further details preserved in the hadith.

The journey is divided into two parts. In the Isra (Night Journey), the Prophet was transported on the back of Buraq, a celestial steed, from Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There, he led other prophets, including Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), in prayer. Following this, during the Miraj (Ascension), the Prophet ascended through the heavens, meeting various prophets and eventually speaking with God. It was during this encounter that the number of daily prayers for Muslims was reduced from fifty to five.

The Isra and Miraj hold immense spiritual and symbolic value in Islam, representing the Prophet’s divine connection and the establishment of prayer as a central act of worship. Many Muslims observe this event through additional prayers, reflection, and remembrance during Rajab, as they prepare for the arrival of Ramadan, only two months away.

In addition to the 27th Rajab (Isra and Miraj), the 1st and 15th of Rajab hold special significance. These are the days on prayers are said to be especially accepted. Ref: The Sacred Month of Rajab in January 2025: A Time for Reflection and Devotion

Shaban

Shaban is not officially designated as a sacred month in Islam, but it is a significant month that bridges the gap between two sacred months.

Shaban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of spiritual preparation for Ramadan. It is often associated with increased acts of worship, fasting, and seeking forgiveness.

One notable event in Shaban is Shab-e-Barat (Night of Forgiveness), observed on the 15th night of the month. On this night, many Muslims engage in prayer, seek Allah’s mercy, and reflect on their actions, as it is believed to be a time when destinies are written for the coming year.

According to Hadith, on this night, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?” [Ibn Majah]

Umar bin Abd al-Aziz (Allah’s mercy upon him) and other pious Muslims have said, “Do not neglect four nights in the year, because on those nights Allah pours His mercy upon His slaves:
the first night of Rajab,
the fifteenth night of Shaban,
the night before Eid al-Fitr and
the night before Eid al-Adha”.

While most scholars agree that the night of 15th Shaban is not mentioned in the Quran, most scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah (May Allah have mercy on him) states that the numerous ahadith and reports on the virtue of the 15th night of Shaban make it undeniable that this night holds special merit.

Aishah (Allah’s mercy upon her) also recounted that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once remained in Sajdah for so long during this night that she became worried, and touched his foot to make sure he was still alive. He (peace and blessings be upon him) moved his foot and she heard him reciting the following dua:

“O Allah, I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger. And in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. And I seek refuge in You from You. I can not praise You enough. You are as You have praised Yourself.” This dua is documented by Imam al-Bayhaqi.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also said to Aishah (Allah’s mercy upon her), “Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb (an Arab tribe renowned for their great flocks of sheep)”. [Ibn Majah and others]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “…Shaban is my month…” As such this is the month when sending Salawat may bring us special blessings. Sending salawat is a way to show respect to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and to ask Allah to bless him.

Shaban is the month when the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted the most (except Ramadan). The splitting of the moon Many significant events occurred in this month: the splitting of the moon, the changing of the qiblah (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem to Mecca, and the revelation of the ayah commanding Salawat.

Shaban is a period to purify the soul, seek forgiveness, send Salawat on Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and prepare spiritually and physically for the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth and most venerated month of the Islamic calendar, holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and self-purification, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from pre-dawn (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar), refraining not only from food and drink but also from sinful behavior, including negative speech and actions. The fast is a means of developing self-discipline, gratitude, and closeness to Allah.

Charity is highly encouraged during Ramadan, with Muslims giving to the poor and needy, ensuring that the blessings of the month are shared with those less fortunate. Many also engage in nightly prayers (Taraweeh) and recitation of the Quran to deepen their spiritual connection.

The last ten nights of Ramadan are particularly significant, as they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed. Worship on this night is said to be better than a thousand months, making it a time of intense devotion and supplication.

Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration marking the end of fasting and a time to express gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the month.

Shawwal

Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, follows the holy month of Ramadan and begins with the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting. It is a time of gratitude, family gatherings, and acts of charity as Muslims thank Allah for the strength to complete Ramadan.

Shawwal is also significant for the six days of fasting encouraged during the month, known as the Six Fasts of Shawwal. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that fasting these six days, in addition to Ramadan, is equivalent to fasting for the entire year (Sahih Muslim).

The month serves as a continuation of the spiritual momentum gained during Ramadan, encouraging Muslims to maintain their devotion, good deeds, and connection with Allah.

Dhu al-Qadah

Dhu al-Qadah, the eleventh month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months in which warfare is prohibited. Its name, meaning “the month of rest,” reflects its historical significance as a time when pre-Islamic Arabs would pause hostilities to prepare for the pilgrimage season.

For Muslims, Dhu al-Qadah is a spiritually significant time leading up to the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah and the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. It is a month for reflection, increased worship, and preparation for those intending to perform Hajj.

Several notable events in Islamic history occurred during this month, including the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah in 6 AH, a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah. This treaty eventually led to the peaceful opening of Makkah.

Dhu al-Qadah offers Muslims an opportunity to continue acts of devotion and good deeds while respecting the sanctity of this sacred month.

Dhu al-Hijjah

Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months and holds profound spiritual importance for Muslims. It is best known as the month of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, a central pillar of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime duty for those who are able.

The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are among the most blessed in the Islamic calendar, often referred to as “the ten nights” in the Quran (Surah Al-Fajr, 89:2). These days are a time of increased worship, fasting, charity, and remembrance of Allah. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijjah) stands out as a day of unparalleled significance, marking the peak of Hajj and offering immense blessings for those fasting and seeking forgiveness.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them in prayer is the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr.”

The month is also home to Eid al-Adha (10th Dhu al-Hijjah), the “Festival of Sacrifice,” which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) unwavering devotion to Allah. Muslims celebrate by offering an animal sacrifice, sharing its meat with the needy, and engaging in acts of gratitude and worship.

Dhu al-Hijjah closes the Islamic year on a note of reflection, devotion, and community, inspiring Muslims to embody the values of faith, charity, and unity as they prepare for the year ahead.

Navigating the Unpredictability of the Islamic Calendar to Guide Your Sufi Life Throughout the Year

Sufi saints integrate the Islamic calendar into their devotional practices, using its structure to guide their lives. Each month is a spiritual framework, with its sacred days and nights providing opportunities for heightened worship, reflection, and acts of charity. For instance, Sufi saints honor the spiritual significance of Laylat al-Qadr during Ramadan and commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Husayn on Ashura in Muharram. They observe these moments not just as rituals but as pathways to deepen their love for Allah, align their lives with divine will, and inspire others to embrace a spiritually rich Sufi life.

Planning a year with the Islamic calendar can be challenging due to the unpredictability of moon sightings. Since the Islamic calendar relies on the visual sighting of the new moon, it’s difficult to print an accurate calendar far in advance. While printed calendars exist for planning purposes, they are based on estimates of when the moon will be visible. These estimates can be off by a day, so the actual month might start earlier or later than predicted.

Printed Islamic calendars are often based on an average month length of 29.5 days, which is very close to the average length of the time it takes for the moon to complete one orbit around the Earth. While this makes the calendar fairly accurate overall, each month’s actual start date is still an approximation.

Different methods are used to create these calendars. One basic system assigns 30 days to all odd-numbered months and 29 days to all even-numbered months, with an extra day added to the last month during leap years.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, however, handle this unpredictability differently for civil purposes. Instead of relying on visual moon sightings, Saudi Arabia uses calculated astronomical data to determine the start of months for administrative use. These calculations include the positions of the moon and sun, based on the coordinates of Mecca. For religious purposes, though, visual sightings of the moon are still required. This dual approach allows for practical planning while maintaining the traditional requirements of the Islamic calendar for religious observance.

Key Islamic Dates mapped to Gregorian calendar 2025

The following is an extract from https://www.islamicity.org/calendar/?theYear=2025.
Blessed Nights
Jan 01 and Jan 15th 2025 – 1st and 15th night of Rajab
Praying on these night can be very effective.

Isra and Miraj
January 27, 2025 – 27 Rajab 1446 (Monday)

Mid Shaban (Night of Barat)
February 14, 2025 – 15 Shaban 1446 (Friday)

Ramadan Begins
March 1, 2025 – 1 Ramadan 1446 (Saturday)
This is the date when fasting begins. Taraweh prayers start the previous night.

Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)
March 26, 2025 – 26 Ramadan 1446 (Wednesday)
This date is an approximation. Laylat al-Qadr is supposed to fall within the last 10 days of Ramnadan.

Eid-ul Fitr
March 30, 2025 – 1 Shawwal 1446 (Sunday)

Hajj Begins
June 4, 2025 – 8 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 (Wednesday)

Day of Arafah
June 5, 2025 – 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 (Thursday)
June 5, 2025 – 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 (Friday) is also considered a sacred day when prayers are accepted.

Eid-al Adha
June 6, 2025 – 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 (Friday)
Note: In North America and Europe, FCNA and ECFR have decided that Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on the same date as in Makkah during Hajj.

Islamic New Year (1 Muharram)
June 26, 2025 – 1 Muharram 1447 (Thursday)

Day of Ashura
July 5, 2025 – 10 Muharram 1447 (Saturday)

Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him)
September 4, 2025 – 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 (Thursday)

In addition to these dates and times, the time between the Friday sermon (hutbah) and asr time is considered a blessed time for prayer.

Summary – Islamic Calendar

In short, the Islamic calendar is more than just a way to mark time—it’s a spiritual guide that helps us stay connected to sacred moments throughout the year.

Whether it’s fasting during Ramadan, reflecting on the Night of Ascension, or engaging in prayer on the Day of Sacrifice, these special days offer chances to deepen our relationship with God. For those on a spiritual path, the calendar provides a meaningful way to align our lives with divine rhythms and grow in faith. It’s a reminder that every year and every day brings new opportunities to connect with our Creator and embrace the blessings of these holy times.