Islamic Calendar

The Islamic (Hijri) calendar has twelve months, each with its own history and significance in the life of the Muslim community. Explore each month — its meaning, key dates, and the acts of worship and remembrance traditionally associated with it.

In-depth guides are added throughout the year. Links open as each guide is published.

The first month of the Hijri year — one of the four sacred months, and the month of Ashura.

The second month — a time to reflect on trust in Allah and dispel superstition.

The month of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — his birth, the Hijrah to Madinah, and his passing.

One of the four sacred months — traditionally associated with the Isra and Miraj.

The month of fasting, the Qur’an, Laylat al-Qadr and heightened worship.

The month of Hajj, the ten blessed days, Arafah, Eid al-Adha and Qurbani.

The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is a lunar calendar of twelve months and roughly 354 days, so Islamic months move around eleven days earlier each year against the Gregorian calendar. UK dates on our guides are confirmed against local moon-sighting reports where applicable.