Hijri Months
The Islamic Hijri calendar has 12 lunar months. Currently we are in Shawwal 1447 AH.
Muharram
Meaning: Forbidden
Days: 30 days
First month of Islamic year. Contains Day of Ashura (10th).
Safar
Meaning: Void
Days: 29 days
Second month. Name means "void" as houses were empty during travel.
Rabi al-Awwal
Meaning: First Spring
Days: 30 days
Birth month of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (12th).
Rabi al-Thani
Meaning: Second Spring
Days: 29 days
Also called Rabi al-Akhir.
Jumada al-Awwal
Meaning: First of Parched Land
Days: 30 days
Fifth month of the Islamic calendar.
Jumada al-Thani
Meaning: Second of Parched Land
Days: 29 days
Also called Jumada al-Akhirah.
Rajab
Meaning: Respect
Days: 30 days
Sacred month. Isra and Mi'raj occurred on 27th.
Sha'ban
Meaning: Scattered
Days: 29 days
Month before Ramadan. Shab-e-Barat on 15th.
Ramadan
Meaning: Burning Heat
Days: 30 days
Holiest month. Month of fasting. Laylatul Qadr in last 10 days.
Shawwal
Meaning: Raised
Days: 29 days
Eid al-Fitr on 1st. Six days of fasting recommended.
Dhul Qa'dah
Meaning: The One of Truce
Days: 30 days
Sacred month. Pilgrims begin journey to Makkah.
Dhul Hijjah
Meaning: The One of Pilgrimage
Days: 29 days
Month of Hajj. Day of Arafah (9th). Eid al-Adha (10th).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many months are in the Hijri calendar?
The Hijri (Islamic) calendar has 12 lunar months, totaling approximately 354-355 days per year.
How many days are in each Hijri month?
Hijri months alternate between 29 and 30 days, based on the lunar cycle. The exact length can vary based on moon sighting.
Which Hijri months are sacred?
Four months are considered sacred in Islam: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah. Fighting was traditionally forbidden during these months.