The Hijri calendar or the Islamic calendar is an Islamic dating system used in many parts of the Muslim world either instead of or alongside the Gregorian calendar. It has twelve months that are based on the lunar cycle; resulting in months made up of 29 or sometimes 30 days.
In this article, we will cover a few interesting facts about the Hijri calendar that every Muslim ought to know, as well as some of the unique names of its months, and their meanings.
1- Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is the Caliph who initiated and started going by the Hijri Calendar in year 639 CE.
2- It is named Hijri calendar in correspondence to the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (saw) from Mecca to Al-Madina.
3- The AH that follows the Hijri date is an abbreviation for the Latin words “Anno Hegirae” as in “the year of the Hijra”; for example 1444 AH
4- The Hijri Calendar has 4 months that are considered sacred for Muslims. These months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah, and Dhul Hijja. These months are of great importance as our rewards get doubled in them. That’s why all Muslims do their best in these months to nail the acceptance and approval of Allah (swt) by fasting, praying Nawafil, and refraining from sinful deeds.
5- Unlike the Georgian calendar, the Hijri calendar has 354 days, which means the Hijri year is shorter, and as a result, you’re a year older as per the Hijri calendar after around every 33 Gregorian years.
6- The Hijri year begins with Muharram and ends with Dhul Hijja.
The names of the Hijri months are also very interesting. they were chosen to reflect upon what was going on at that time of the year back then. For example, Rabi’ Al Awwal <3, Rabi’ means spring. It got its name from coinciding with the beginning of spring at that time and is followed by Rabi’ Al Akhar. Also, Jumada means freezing, and it got named due to water freezing at that time of the year back then. Jumada Al Awwal is followed by Jumada Al Thani, the sixth Hijri month.
The Hijri calendar is truly fascinating, and since the new Hijri year (1445 AH) is upon us let’s forget anything that may have bothered us this year and join together in making Du’a for this new year to be a blessed one. May Allah SW continue to shower us with His uncountable bounties, blessings, and infinite protection, amen <3.
