Islamic Calendar & Hijri Date Converter

Understanding the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is the backbone of the Muslim way of life. It defines when to fast, when to celebrate Eid, and when to perform Hajj. Unlike the Gregorian calendar which follows the sun, the Islamic calendar is strictly lunar. This means it is based on the moon's phases, resulting in a year that is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year.

Because of this difference, Islamic dates move backward through the seasons every year. A month like Ramadan will rotate through winter, autumn, summer, and spring over a 33-year cycle. This beautiful rotation ensures that Muslims worldwide experience fasting and worship in diverse climatic conditions during their lifetime.

How the Hijri Date Converter Works

Our Hijri date converter tool allows you to plan ahead for religious obligations. Whether you are looking for the date of the next Prayer Times or scheduling an event, accuracy is key. The tool above covers a 50-year range, allowing you to check dates from 20 years in the past to 20 years in the future.

The Twelve Islamic Months

The Hijri year consists of twelve months: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul-Qadah, and Dhul-Hijjah. Four of these—Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qadah, and Dhul-Hijjah—are considered sacred months where conflict is traditionally forbidden and good deeds are highly emphasized.

Importance of Accurate Dates

For Muslims, knowing the correct date is vital. The start of each month traditionally depends on the physical sighting of the new moon (Hilal). While our digital calendar uses astronomical calculations to predict these dates for your convenience, religious authorities often confirm the exact start of months like Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah based on sighting. We recommend reading the Quran daily to stay spiritually connected regardless of the date.

Frequently Asked Questions