Islamic Calender

Memorize the Islamic Calender

“Indeed, the number of months with Allaah is twelve (lunar) months in the register of Allaah (from) the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion (i.e. way), so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous (who fear Him)” (At-Tawbah: 36).

The 12 months of the Islamic Calendar, in order are these:

*The highlighted months are the 4 sacred months*

 

1.  Muḥarram — المحرّم — means "forbidden" in Arabic, so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month. Muharram is the most sacred Muslim month, and includes the Day of Ashura.

2. Ṣafar — صفر — means "void" in Arabic, supposedly named because pagan Arabs looted during this month and left the houses empty.

3.  Rabīʿ I (Rabīʿ al-Awwal) — ربيع الأوّل — means "the first Spring" in Arabic.

4.  Rabīʿ II (Rabīʿ ath-Thānī or Rabīʿ al-Ākhir) — ربيع الآخر , ربيع الثاني — means "the second (or last) Spring" in Arabic.

5.  Jumādā I (Jumādā al-Ūlā) — جمادى الأولى — means "the first month of parched land" in Arabic.

6.  Jumādā II (Jumādā ath-Thāniya or Jumādā al-Ākhira) — جمادى الآخرة , جمادى الثانية — means "the second (or last) month of parched land" in Arabic.

7.  Rajab — رجب — means "respect" or "honor" in Arabic. Rajab is another of the sacred months in which fighting was traditionally forbidden.

8. Shaʿbān — شعبان — means "scattered" in Arabic, marking the time of year when Arab tribes dispersed to find water.

9.  Ramaḍān — رمضان — means "scorched" in Arabic. Ramadan is the most venerated month of the Hijri calendar, during which Muslims fast between dawn and sunset.

10. Shawwāl — شوّال — means "raised" in Arabic, as she-camels begin to raise their tails during this time of year, after giving birth.

11.   Dhū al-Qaʿda — ذو القعدة — means "the one of truce" in Arabic. Dhu al-Qa'da was another month during which war was banned.

12.  Dhū al-Ḥijja — ذو الحجّة — means "the one of pilgrimage" in Arabic, referring to the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj.