Brief Knowledge about The Islamic or Hijrah calendar

BY Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The Islamic calendar or Muslim calendar is also known as Hijrah calendar.

The Islamic calendar is the official calendar in many Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia. Other Muslim countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes and only turn to the Islamic calendar for religious purposes.

Muslims do not traditionally "celebrate" the beginning of a new year, but we do acknowledge the passing of time, and take time to reflect on our own mortality.

Muslims measure the passage of time using the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar. Islamic (Hijrah) calendar are counted since the Hijrah, which is when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah (approximately July 622 A.D.). Thus each numbered year is designated either H or AH, the latter being the initials of the Latin anno Hegirae (in the year of the Hijra).

 The emigration took place after thirteen years of persecutions by the disbelievers of Makkah. By the command of God, the Prophet left the city with his companion Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A.) and escaped a death threat by the disbelievers. The event marks the beginning of a second phase of the Islamic movement. It is the phase when Madinah became the center of an Islamic state.

It was an important turning point for the Muslim community. After the emigration to Madinah (formerly known as Yathrib), the Muslims were able to organize and establish the first real Muslim "community," with social, political, and economic independence. Life in Madinah allowed the Muslim community to mature and strengthen, and the people developed an entire society based on Islamic principles.

Islamic calendar has 12 lunar months in a year of about 354 days. This lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year. The beginnings and endings of these months are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.  Islamic holy days, although celebrated on fixed dates in their own calendar, usually shift 11 days earlier each successive solar year, such as a year of the Gregorian calender.

The Islamic calendar was first introduced by the close companion of the Prophet, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab. During his leadership of the Muslim community, in approximately 638 A.D, he consulted with his advisors in order to come to a decision regarding the various dating systems used at that time.

Names of the Islamic months:

The Islamic 12 months are named as follows:

Muharram,  Safar, Rabi’ ul-awwal, Rabi’ us-thani, Jumada al-awwal, Jumada al-thani, Rajab, Sha’baan,Ramadan, Shawwal, Zul-Qa’dah, Zul- Hijjah,

Names of the days of the week:

The Islamic week is derived from the Jewish week, as was the medieval Christian week, all of which have numbered weekdays in common. All three coincide with the Saturday through Friday planetary week. The Islamic and Jewish weekdays begin at sunset, whereas the medieval Christian and planetary weekdays begin at the following midnight. Muslims gather for worship at a Masjid at noon on “gathering day”, which corresponds to the sixth day of the Jewish and medieval Christian weeks, and to Friday of the planetary week.

yaum as-sabt  (sabbath day - Saturday),

yaum al-ahad  (first day - Sunday), 

yaum al-ithnayn  (second day - Monday),

yaum ath-thulaathaa’ (third day - Tuesday),

yaum al-arbia‘aa’(fourth day - Wednesday),

yaum al-khamis (fifth day - Thursday),

yaum al-jumu‘a (gathering day - Friday)

Important dates:

Important dates in the Islamic (Hijri) year are:

1 Muharram ( Islamic New Year)

10 Muharram (Day of Ashurah), commemorates the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali), a tragic event to Shi’ah Muslims.

12 Rabiul Awal (Milad un Nabi for Sunni Muslims)

17 Rabiul Awal (Milad un Nabi for Shia Muslims)

27 Rajab (Isra and Miraj)

15 Shabaan ( Shab-e-Br’at)

1 Ramadan (first day of fasting)

21 Ramadan (Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib’s death date. He was  Muhammad’s cousin and son in law and the father of Imam Hussayn ibn Ali)

27 Ramadan (Nuzul Al-Qur’an) (17 Ramadan in Malaysia)

Last 10 days of Ramadhan this may include Laylat al-Qadr

1 Shawwal (Eid ul-Fitr)

8-10 Dhu al-Hijjah (the Hajj to Makkah)

10 Dhu al-Hijjah ( Eid ul-Adha).

MONTHLY  PROFILES  OF  THE
ISLAMIC  CALENDER

1.Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar.

The meaning of the word:- The word "Muharram" means "Forbidden."  Even before Islam, this month was always known as a sacred month in which all-unlawful acts were forbidden, prominently the shedding of blood.

A blessing of Muharram:- There are many bounties of this month, especially the tenth of Muharram.

Two of the many virtues of the 10th of Muharram:- On this day he who spends more lavishly for the sake of his family members, Allah Ta'aalaa will bestow blessing upon the sustenance of the following year.

Abu Qataada (R.A.) has related that ‘the Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) has reported, it is my thought that by fasting on the 10th of Muharram Allah Ta'aalaa will pardon the sins of the past year’.-- (Tirmizi)

Events of Muharram:-

Prior to Islam :
*Adam (A.S.) was born and had entered Paradise on the 10th of Muharram.
*Ayyub (A.S.) was cured from his illness.
*A way was made in the sea for Bani Israel.
*Suleman (A.S.) was ordained King.
*The oceans and Heavens were created.---- (Tanbihul-Gaafileen)

During Islam:
Hadhrat Hussain (R.A.) was martyred in this month.
‘Shaykhain Tirmizi & Haakim has narrated from Anas (R.A) that the following verse: "Allah may forgive thee of thy sins that which is past and that which is to come." (Al-Fath)’ was revealed on the 10th of Muharram.
The Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) went to defeat Bani Muhaarin and Bani Tha'laba (Tribes of Bani Gatfan) in the year 4 A.H. (Asahhus-siyar)
Qiyaamah will take place on the 10th of Muharram.

2.Safar

Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar
About the month of SAfAR:

 This time of the year was considered to be cursed as many catastrophes and calamities took place. However this belief has been proven to be false and totally without any basis (absurd).
 This can also be confirmed by the following hadeeth.
‘Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A.) has said that, "I have heard the Prophet (Pbuh) saying, the descending of illness and evil superstition
befalling in the month of Safar is untrue." (Muslim)’

Events of Safar:-

1) The Battle of Abwaa took place on 12th Safar in the year 2 A.H.
2) The Battle of Khaibar took place in the year 7 A.

Matrimonies in SAfAR:

Hadhrat Ali (R A ) married Hadhrat Fatima (R.A.), (the daughter of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the latter days of Safar 2 A.H.

Deaths in Safar:-
Khubaib Ibn Adey(R.A.)was martyred in this month in the year
4A.H. in the Holy city of Makkah.

Zaid Ibn Dathina (RA) was martyred in this month in the year
4A.H. in the Holy city of Makkah.

3.Rabi-ul-Awwal

Rabi-ul-Awwal is the third month of the Islamic calendar

The Meaning of the Word "Rabi-ul-Awwal" is the first month of spring.

Favorable Occasions:-

The Holy Prophet (Pbuh) was born in this month as mercy for all and departed from this world 63 years later
 

Events of  Rabi-ul-Awwal

* The Holy Prophet (Pbuh) migrated from Makkah to Madinah Munawwarah.
* Battle of Buwaat took place in the year 2 A.ll.
*Battle of Saf'vaan took place in the year 2 A.H.
*Abu Bakr's(R. A) daughter, Asma (R.A.) was born 6 years before Prophecy.
* Ruqayyah (R. A.) the daughter of the beloved Prophet (Pbuh) was born  in this month 7 years before Prophecy.
*Abu Bakr (RA.) was appointed Caliph.

Matrimonies within Rabi-Ul-Awwal:-
 

Hadhrat Umme Kuithum was married in this month to the third Caliph; Uthinan (R.A.) in 3 A.H.
 

Deaths in Rabi-Ul-Awwal:-

Mother of the believers, wife of the Holy Prophet (Pbuh)  Zainab (RA.) passed away in the year 4 A.H.
Ibrahim (RA.) the son of Maaria Qibtiya and of the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) passed away in the year 1O A.H.

4. Rabi- us-thani

This is the fourth month of the Islamic Calendar.

The meaning of the word Rabi-us-thani is the second month of spring.

Events of Rabi-us-thani:-

Battle of Furu' from Buhraan took place in 3 A.H Sariyyah-Battle in which the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) did not take part in, instead he consigned one of his Companions as the colonel.  The consigned: Sariyyah Ali Ibn Abi Talib in the 9th Hijri.  Sariyyah-Ibn Alqamah Mujaazziz Mudlejee.

Deaths in Rabi-us-thani:-

Hadrat Khwaja Nizamuddin- 18th Rabi-us-thani: 725 Hijri. 

Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee- 11th Rabi-us-thani: 561 Hijri passed away at the age of 90.

5. Jumada al-awwal

 Jumada al-awwal is the fifth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Events of Jumada al-awwal:-

1) The Battle "Moota" took place in 8 A.H.- A war against infidels in which Our Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) did not participate.  The battle is named after a famous city in Syria (Moota).  Hadrat Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) was the first appointed General by the Holy Prophet  Muhammed (Pbuh) 

2) In the same Battle Hadrat Khalid ibn Walid (fourth general of the Battle of Moota) was proclaimed by the Holy Prophet  Muhammed (Pbuh) as being "one of the swords of Allah".

Matrimonies in Jumada al-awwal:-

The Holy Prophet (Pbuh) married his first beloved wife; Hadrat Khadijah (R.A) 15 years prior to Prophency.

Deaths in Jumada al-awwal:-

1) Hadrat Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) met martyrdom in 8 A.H
2) Hadrat Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib (R.A.) met martyrdom in 8 A.H.
3) Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Rawaahah met martyrdom in 8 A.H.
4) Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Uthman (R.A.) passed away.
5) The Holy Prophet Muhammed’s (Pbuh) grandfather Abdul Muttalib passed away 32 years prior to prophency.

6. Jumada al-thani

Jumada al-thani is the sixth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Events of Jumada-al-thani:-  Battle of Salaasil took place in 8 A.H.
The consigned: Sariyyah Abu Ubaida Ibn Jarraah (R.A) in the 6th Hijri

Sariyyah:  Zaid ibn H Aritha (R.A) 6th Hijri.
Sariyyah:   Abdullah Ibn Jahsh (R.A) 2nd Hijri.

Deaths of Jumada-al-thani:-    Abu Salama (R.A) 4th Jumada-al-thani

7. Rajab

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic Calendar.

The meaning of Rajab is the lexical definition of Rajaba is "to respect", which is where the word Rajab has been deprived from.

Events of Rajab:-    The Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh)  ascended to Heaven on the 27th of Rajab on either Sunday or Monday (Mi'raaj).
-Hadhrat Bilal Ibn Haritha (R.A) brought a congregation of four hundred men named Banu Muzeena in the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh).  They all embraced Islam and became followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) in the year 5 A.H
-The battle of Tabook took place in the year 9 A.H. This was the last battle which the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) participated in.
-The second Oath of Aqabah took place in Rajab, 12 A.H.

Deaths in Rajab:-
-Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) passed away on the 15th of Rajab 150 A.H.
-Imam Shafi'ee (R.A) passed away on the 14th Rajab 204 A.H.
-Imam Muslim (R.A) passed away on the 24th of Rajab 261 A.H.
-Imam Nawawee (R.A) passed away on the 14th of Rajab 677 A.H.

8. Sha'baan

Sha'baan is the eight-month of the Islamic Calendar.

Meaning of the word Sha'baan is consecutively escalating.  (Undisturbed increase)

Upon the Arrival of the Sha'baan moon it appears the beginning of innumerous blessings are showered upon us.  Just as the initiation of rainfall begins with "pitter patter" such blessings reach us in the same accord and fashion.

Beginning of Sha'baan blessings are initiated which progressively escalate so that by mid-Sha'baan the blessings have reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings reach their peak by the end of Ramadan.

Example supporting the above stated:-    Just as a farmer prepares for a fruitful harvest by harrowing his screage so that the soil may readily retain water, in contrast our souls are geared by the presence of such blessings in Sha'baan effectively preparing us for a fruitful and completely advantageous Ramadan.
‘Our Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) said, "Sha'baan is my month and Ramadan the month of Allah Ta'aalaa." (Daylami)’

Events of Sha'baan:-

1)"Laila-tul Baraa'at (Night of forgiveness) the fifteenth night of Sha'baan.
2)"Qibla", the direction to be adopted within salaah, was reverted back to the "Ka'aba" in Makkah (after being coverted to Baitul Muqaddas in Jerusalem for a short period of time).  This took place two years after Hijraah on the 15th of Sha'baan.
3) Fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan was made compulsory two years A.H. on the 25th of Sha'baan.
4) Three years A.H. Hadhrat Hafsa (R.A) was joined in matrimony with the Prophet (Pbuh).
5) In this very month forty-two years later Hadhrat Hafsa (R.A) took leave from this world.
6) The birth of the Prophet's Muhammed’s  (Pbuh) grandson Hadhrat Hussain (R.A.) took place, four years on the fifth of Sha'baan.
7) The battle of Banu Mustaliq took place in Sha'baan.
8) During the above mentioned battle, the "Aayah of Tayammum" (Purifying with sand before salaah) was revealed, five years A.H.
9) The daughter of the beloved Prophet (Pbuh) Umme Kulthum (R.A.) took leave from this world, nine years A.H.

9.Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Ramadan is deprived from the Arabic word "RAMADHA", literally this means: "Intense Heat".  The possible number of reasons defining the acquisition of the name "RAMADAN" are as established below:
1) When the Islamic months were enforced the month of fasting coincided with the summer months of intense heat.
2) The second reason, which has been mentioned, is that due to fasting the temperature within the stomach increases; again the element of heat is a factor behind the actual naming of RAMADHAN.
3) It has also been said that "RAMADHAN" is one of the names of Allah Ta'aalaa.  If that is the case then the month has acquired the name due to the fact that Allah Ta'aalaa burns away accumulated sins and eliminates then from the list of unlawful deeds.  Once again the burning sins connotates "HEAT".  However. it should be acknowledged that this reasoning is not wholly reliable.

A hadeeth regarding Ramadhan:- Hadhrat Salmaan (R.A) reports that on the last day of Sha'baan the Messenger of Allah Ta'aalaa addressed then and said, "Oh people, there comes before you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than 1,000 months; (LAYLATUL-QADR).  It is a month in which each day should be observed by fasting, this has been made obligatory by the Almighty Allah."

Great events that took place in Ramadan:-

1) Hadhrat Hasan (R.A.), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) was born in this month on the 15th of Ramadhan, three years after Hijrah.
2) On the 27th night of Ramadan the Qur'an was revealed from the "Lauhe Mahfooz" (on the seventh sky) to the first of the skies.
3)The first Battle in the Islamic History, "BATTLE OF BADR" took place on the 12th of Ramadhan 2 A.H.
4)Victory of Makkah took place in the year 8 A.H, entering Makkah on the 18th of Ramadhan.

Matrimonies within Ramadhan:-

1)Hadhrat Sawdah (R.A) was married in this Holy month in the year 10 A.H. to the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) 
2)Hadhrat Zainab Bint Khuzaima's (R.A.) marriage took place in Ramadhan in the year 3 A.H. to the Holy Prophet (Pbuh).

Deaths in Ramadhan:-

1) Amongst the daughters of the Holy Prophet (Pbuh), Hadhrat Ruqayyah (R.A) passed away at the young age of 23, 2 A.H when the Prophet  Muhammed (Pbuh)  was engaged in the "Battle of Badr".
2) Amongst the wives of the Holy prophet (Pbuh) Hadhrat Khadijah (R.A) departed from this world on the 11th of Ramadhan 10 (A.H.) after the Prophet (Pbuh) acquired prophecy.
3) Hadrat Fatimah (R.A) took leave from the world on a Tuesday 3rd Ramadhan 11 A.H. (6 months after the Prophet (Pbuh) she was then 29 years old.)
4) Hadrat Abbas (R.A.) the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) uncle passed away on a Friday  12th Ramadhan, 32 (A.H) at the age of 88
5) Hadrat Ali (R.A.) the Prophet (Pbuh)  son-in-law departed from this world on Friday 27th Ramadhan, age 57, 40 A.H.
6)Hadhrat Ali (R.A.) met mertydom- 18th Ramadhan 40 A.H.
7)Hadhrat Saffiyah (R.A.) took leave from this world in 50 (A.H.), aged 60 years.
8)Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R.A.) was 65 years old when she departed in the year 58 A.H.

10. Shawwal

Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Meaning of the word Shawwal:- Uplift/breakage.  Before Islam, Arabs believed that any marriage held in Shawwal would always turn out to be unsuccessful.  Hence, the month deprived the above mentioned meanings, however the superstitious belief was later abolished.

From the months of Hajj, Shawwaal is the first of them.  The first day of Shawwaal is Eid-Ul-Fitr and also the day when sins are forgiven.

Six fasts of Shawwaal:- In the month of Shawwaal it is Sunnah to keep six fasts, as narrated in the following Hadeeth by Abu Ayyub Ansaru (R.A) that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh)  has said, "If one throughout his life keeps the fasts of Ramadhan and keeps six consecutive fasts in Shawwaal it will be as though he has kept a whole life time of fasts, and if one keeps the six consecutive fasts for one Shawwaal month it will be as though he has observed fast all year round." --(Muslim)

Events which took place in Shawwaal:-

1) Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A) was born in Shawwaal four years after Prophethood which is nine years before Hijrah.
2) Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A.) was married in this month ten years after Prophethood which is three years before Hijrah.
3) The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa took place between the battle of Badr and Uhud (Shawwaal 2 A.H. after Hijrah)
4) The battle of Uhud also took place in Shawwaal, three years after Hijrah.
5) Hadhrat Hussain (R.A) the Holy Prophet's (Pbuh) grandson (son of Hadhrat Fatima R.A.) was born in the month of Shawwaal four years after Hijrah.
6) The Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) married Hadhrat Umme Salamah (R.A.) in Shawwaal in the fourth year after Hijrah.
7) Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah's (R.A) mother passed away in 5 A.H.
8) The Holy Prophet's (Pbuh) uncle Abu Talib departed from this world during the middle of Shawwaal in the year 5 A.H.
9) Imam Bukhari (R.A.) was born on a Friday of Shawwaal in the year 194 A.H.

11.Zul-Qa'dah

Zul-Qa'dah is the eleventh month of the Islamic Calendar.

It is also a month amongst the months of Hajj.

Events taken place during the month of Zul-Qa'dah:-

1)The battle of 'khandaq (trench) or Ahzab' took place in 5 A.H.
2)6 A.H.-Truce of Hudaubiyah
3)6 A.H 'Bay'at-e-Rizwaan' (The oath of allegiance named Rizwaan)
4)The return to Makkah for the performance of Umrah by the Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh)  and his Companions in 7 A.H.

 12. Zul-Hijjah

Zul-Hijjah Is the last month of the Islamic Calendar.

Meaning of the word Zul-Hijjah is the month of "Hajj" (Pilgrimage)

The fifth pillar of Islam "Hajj" is performed in this sacred month.  The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days in this whole month, Hajj is performed amongst these ten days.

Ahadeeth related to Zul-Hijjah:- Hadhrat Abu Haraira (R.A) reports from the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh): "Amongst all days there are none better to engage in sole worship of Allah than in the tendays of Zul-Hijjah,  To observe a fast on any of these days is equivalent to fasting throughout the year, to actively engage in prayer and worship throughout any of these nights holds such rewarding values levelling with "night of power" (Laylatul-Qadr) "Tirmizi"

It has been stated in the Holy Qur'an, "By the dawn; By the ten nights (ie. the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hijjah), and by the even and the odd (of all the creations of Allah) and by night when it departs.  There is indeed in them (the above oaths) suffcient proofs for men of understanding.  (And that they should avoid all kinds of sins and disbelief)"

Hadhrat Abi Qataadah (R.A) reports in a part narration from the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh)  cocerning the fast observed on the day of Arafaat: "I have full confidence in Allah for the one who observes a fast on the day of Arafaat that his previous year's sins and the proceeding year's sins are forgiven." --(Muslim)

Events of Zul-Hijjah:-

1) The Prophet (Pbuh) performed the farewell Hajj and gave the historic sermon known as the "Farewell Sermon"
2) Egypt was conquered by the army sent by Hadhart Umar (R.A.)
3) Uthmaan (R.A.) was appointed the third Caliph
4) Also "Bay'ate-Aqabah" took place

Matrimonies within Zul-Hijjah:-

Hadhrat Fatimah (R.A.) was married in this holy month to the fourth Caliph Hadhrat Ali (R.A.)

Deaths in Zul-Hijjah:-

 Two famous deaths took place in this month:
1) Hadhrat Umar (R.A.) met martydom- 27th of Zul-Hijjah 26 A.H.
2) Hadhrat Uthmaan (R.A) was martyred- 18th Zul-Hijjah 35 A.H.

References:

1. Heinrichs. Encyclopedia of Islam Online. By Brill Academic Publishers.

2.Sherrard Beaumont Burnaby, Elements of the Jewish and Muhammadan calendars (London: 1901) 370.

3. Prophet Muhammad by Islamic Finder

4.Appreciating Islamic History

5. Khalid Chraibi: Issues in the Islamic Calendar, Tabsir.net

6.Ramadan and Eid announcement by the Fiqh Council of North America (revised)

7. Hijri Dates in SQL Server 2000

8.Allal el Fassi : "Aljawab assahih..." op. cit.

9.Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales

10.The Origins of the Islamic or Hijrah Calendar

(By Khandaker  Nazneen Sultana, writer and journalist of ‘ The Independent’. Chairman of ‘Shadow Foundation for women and Children’. E-mail: mail2sfwc@gmail.com, financeandb9@gmail.com)