Alternate Calendars :: Islamic
The Islamic calendar (or Hijri calendar) is a 12 month calendar based on the lunar year. Each month starts when the lunar crescent is first seen after a new moon. Because 12 synodic months is only 12 x 29.53=354.36 days, the Islamic calendar is consistently shorter than a tropical year, and therefore it shifts with respect to the Christian calendar.The number of days per month is adjusted throughout the year, in accordance with each lunar cycle. The beginning of the Muslim year retrogresses through the solar year; it completes a full cycle every 32 ½ years. All months have 29 or 30 days.
The calendar is based on the Qur'an (Sura IX, 36-37) and its proper observance is a sacred duty for Muslims.
The Islamic calendar is the official calendar in countries around the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, while other Muslim countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes and only turn to the Islamic calendar for religious purposes.
| Muharram |
| Safar |
| Rabi' al-awwal (Rabi I) |
| Rabi' al-thani (Rabi II) |
| Jumada al-awwal (Jumada I) |
| Jumada al-thani (Jumada II) |
| Rajab |
| Sha’ban |
| Ramadan |
| Shawwal |
| Dhu al-Qa’dah |
| Dhu al-Hijah |