The Islamic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar because it follows the moon’s cycles instead of the sun’s. Both calendars have 12 months, but the Islamic months each have unique meanings, with four of them being sacred, meaning fighting and conflict are forbidden during these times.
Meaning: “Forbidden”
Significance: First of the four sacred months during which fighting is haram (forbidden).
Key Events: Day of Ashura: Observed on the 10th day, commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Meaning: “Void”
Significance: Named possibly because homes were empty as people gathered food or looted post-battle.
Key Events: Several battles were fought.
Muslims were commanded to move to Medina to avoid further conflict.
Meaning: “The first spring” or “to graze”
Significance: A joyous month with historical significance.
Key Events: Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 570 A.D.
Death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 A.D.
Meaning: “The second spring”
Significance: A time of mourning for many Muslims.
Key Events: Death of Fatimah bint Musa.
Death of Sufi Sheikh Abdul-Qadir Gilani.
Meaning: “The first parched land”
Significance: Historically associated with the first month of summer or frozen weather causing parched land.
Meaning: “The last parched land”
Significance: Significant month with different celebrations across sects.
Key Events: Birth and death of Fatimah al-Zahra.
Death of Caliph Abu Bakr.
Meaning: “Respect” or “honour”
Significance: Second sacred month dedicated to Allah (SWT), making it haram to fight.
Key Events: Muslims complete the voluntary pilgrimage, Umrah.
Meaning: “Scattered”
Significance: Considered the month of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), often used to prepare for Ramadan.
Meaning: “Burning heat”
Significance: A prominent month of fasting from dawn to dusk to cleanse and empathise with the less fortunate.
Key Events: Fasting observed to develop self-discipline and spirituality.
Meaning: “Raised”
Significance: Celebratory month following Ramadan.
Key Events: Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated from the 1st to the 3rd day with food, gifts, and prayers.
Meaning: “Raised”
Significance: Celebratory month following Ramadan.
Key Events: Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated from the 1st to the 3rd day with food, gifts, and prayers.
Meaning: “Pilgrimage”
Significance: Holiest month, significant for Hajj.
Key Events: Day of Arafah: Marks the completion of the message of Islam.
Qurbani (Festival of Sacrifice): Honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion.
Eid al-Adha (Big Eid): Celebrated following Qurbani.
Status: Fourth and final sacred month for completing Hajj in safety.