12 Islamic Hijri Months

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) in which warfare was traditionally forbidden. The name "Muharram" itself comes from the Arabic root meaning "forbidden" or "sacred," reflecting its sanctity. The 10th of Muharram is observed as the Day of Ashura, a significant day of fasting and reflection. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended fasting on this day, as it commemorates when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. Many Muslims also fast on the 9th or 11th alongside the 10th.

Rabi al-Awwal is the third month of the Islamic calendar and holds deep significance as the birth month of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The name means "the first spring," referring to the season in which it originally fell when the month names were established. The 12th of Rabi al-Awwal is widely observed as Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) in many Muslim communities around the world, with gatherings, lectures, and prayers in his honor. The Prophet ﷺ also migrated from Makkah to Madinah (the Hijrah) during this month, the event that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar era.

Rabi al-Thani, also called Rabi al-Akhir ("the last spring"), is the fourth month of the Hijri calendar. Like its predecessor, the name references the spring season. While there are no major Islamic events or prescribed rituals specific to this month, it serves as a time for continued spiritual reflection and voluntary acts of worship. Muslims are encouraged to maintain the spiritual momentum from the celebrations of Rabi al-Awwal and to strengthen their connection with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Islamic calendar. Its name is derived from the Arabic root "jamad," meaning "to freeze" or "to become dry," reflecting the cold, dry winter climate in which the month originally fell in the pre-Islamic Arabian calendar. The month has no specific religious observances, but it holds historical significance as the birth month of several notable figures in Islamic history. Muslims continue their regular worship, voluntary fasting, and community activities during this month.

Jumada al-Thani, also known as Jumada al-Akhirah ("the last of dry land"), is the sixth month of the Hijri calendar. It continues the seasonal naming pattern of its predecessor. While no major religious events are tied to this month, it carries an important transitional role — it directly precedes the sacred month of Rajab. Many Muslims begin to increase their voluntary worship and spiritual preparation during the latter part of Jumada al-Thani in anticipation of the three blessed consecutive months ahead: Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan.

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. Its name comes from the Arabic root "rajaba," meaning "to respect" or "to revere," underscoring its sanctity. The most significant event associated with Rajab is the night of Isra and Mi'raj (27th Rajab), the miraculous night journey during which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ traveled from Makkah to Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa Mosque) and then ascended through the heavens. This event is deeply revered and is commemorated by many Muslims with prayers and remembrance. Rajab is often called "the month of Allah" and marks the beginning of the spiritual preparation leading up to Ramadan.

Sha'ban is the eighth month of the Hijri calendar and the month directly preceding Ramadan. Its name means "scattered" or "dispersed," possibly referring to the pre-Islamic Arab tribes scattering for water during this season. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to fast extensively during Sha'ban, more than in any other month outside of Ramadan. The 15th night of Sha'ban, known as Shab-e-Barat (Laylat al-Bara'ah — the Night of Fortune and Forgiveness), is observed by many Muslims as a night of prayer, seeking forgiveness, and divine mercy. Sha'ban serves as a critical month of spiritual preparation for the fasting and worship of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. The name comes from the Arabic root "ramad," meaning "intense heat" or "scorching," referring to the season in which it originally fell. During Ramadan, Muslims observe Sawm (fasting) from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. It was during Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The last ten nights of Ramadan hold special significance, as they include Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power), which the Quran describes as "better than a thousand months." Muslims increase their prayers, charity, and Quran recitation throughout this blessed month.

Shawwal is the tenth month of the Hijri calendar and begins with one of the two major Islamic celebrations: Eid al-Fitr on the 1st, marking the joyous end of Ramadan fasting. The name "Shawwal" is related to the Arabic word meaning "to raise" or "to lift," possibly referring to the she-camels raising their tails during this season. After celebrating Eid, Muslims are encouraged to fast six additional days during Shawwal. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year" (Sahih Muslim). These six days can be fasted consecutively or spread throughout the month.

Dhul Qa'dah is the eleventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. Its name means "the month of sitting" or "the month of rest," as the pre-Islamic Arabs would cease fighting and sit idle during this time. In the Islamic context, Dhul Qa'dah marks the beginning of the Hajj season. Pilgrims from around the world start their journey toward Makkah in preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place in the following month. While there are no specific obligatory acts of worship for Dhul Qa'dah, its sacred status encourages Muslims to increase their good deeds and avoid sinful behavior.

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, and one of the four sacred months. Its name literally means "the month of the pilgrimage," as it is the month in which the Hajj — the annual pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the five pillars of Islam — takes place. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered among the most blessed days of the entire year. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days" (Sahih al-Bukhari). The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Arafah, the most virtuous day of the year, when pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat. Fasting on Arafah (for non-pilgrims) expiates sins of the previous and coming year. The 10th is Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice), commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. The three days following Eid (11th–13th) are the Days of Tashreeq.