Islamic Months Name | 12 Arabic Months List & of Hijri Calendar

Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar; Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new moon, each month has a unique name in Arabic, and lasts about 29 days. Each month in the Islamic calendar holds a unique significance and follows a systematic order.

The Islamic calendar is also known as the Hijri calendar. Due to various factors, such as weather conditions, the visibility of the new moon can be unpredictable, making the Islamic calendar a forecast of possible religious events. Over time, the position of each month shifts, and the calendar does not align consistently with the solar year.

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 Islamic months and approximately 355 days. It is primarily used in Muslim-majority countries and by Muslim communities in other parts of the world to observe religious festivals.

The Islamic lunar year is roughly ten days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, and as a result, the Islamic month does not correspond to fixed seasons.

Below is a brief overview of the Islamic Months’ Names:

Islamic Months Name | Arabic Months List

arabic islamic months

Muharram (المحرّم)

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and signifies “forbidden.” It is considered the second-holiest month after Ramadan. The Day of Ashura, which falls on the tenth day, is particularly significant as it marks the day Prophet Adam was born and entered Paradise and the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (R.A).

Historically, Muharram was a sacred month during which all forms of violence, especially bloodshed, were prohibited.

Safar (صفر)

In the second month, Safar, Arabs traditionally left their homes for travel and warfare. The name Safar is associated with autumn when the leaves turn yellow. Notable events during this month include the Battle of Khaibar in 7 A.H. and the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina on the 27th of Safar.

Rabi-ul-Awwal (ربيع الأول)

Rabi-ul-Awwal, meaning “the first spring,” is the third month and is considered full of blessings. The 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal is celebrated as the birthdate of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who also passed away rabiul awal at the age of 63.

It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet. Important battles such as the Battle of Buwaat and the Battle of Saf’vaan took place in this month in 2 A.H.

Rabi-us Sani (ربيع الآخر)

The fourth month, Rabi-us Sani, means “the last spring.” While there are no specific religious events or rituals associated with this month, Muslims are encouraged to continue reciting the Holy Quran and offering prayers for forgiveness (Astaghfar).

Jamadi-ul-Awwal (جمادى الأولى)

Jamadi-ul-Awwal, named after the word “Jumda,” which means “dry or parched land,” is the fifth month. During this time, Prophet Muhammad married his first wife, Hadrat Khadijah (R.A). The Battle of Muta, in which Khalid ibn Walid was declared “one of Allah’s swords,” occurred during this month in 8 A.H.

Jamadi-us-Sani (جمادى الآخرة)

Jamadi-us-Sani, the sixth month, shares the same etymological origins as the previous month, signifying the second month of summer. It holds great importance in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to engage in extra remembrance (Zikr) of Allah.

Rajab (رجب)

Rajab, the seventh month, is revered as a month of honor and respect. It is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. The event of Mi’raj, or the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens, took place during Rajab, and it is when the gift of Salaah was bestowed upon Muslims.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for blessings during this month with the words:

“Allāhumma bārik lanā fī rajaba wa shaʻbāna wa balligh-nā ramaḍāna.”

Shaban (شعبان)

Shaban, the eighth month, is a time of increasing blessings, which culminate in the following month, Ramadan. The Night of Forgiveness, or “Laylat al-Bara’at,” falls on the 15th of Shaban. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to Shaban as “his month,” while Ramadan was described as “Allah’s month.”

Ramadan (رمضان)

Ramadan, the ninth month, derives its name from “Ar-ramda,” meaning “heat.” It is the month of fasting, marked by numerous blessings, during which the Quran was revealed. Fasting during Ramadan is a unique form of worship known only to Allah, and it is a time when sins are forgiven and believers are protected from hellfire.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described Ramadan as a month with a night (Laylatul-Qadr) better than 1,000 months.

Shawal (شوّال)

Shawal, the tenth month, follows Ramadan and begins with Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of celebration when sins are forgiven. Historical events such as the Battle of Uhud in 3 A.H. and the conflict with the Banu Qaynuqaa tribe occurred during this month.

Zil-Qadah (ذو القعدة)

Zil-Qadah, the eleventh month, means “master of truce.” It is one of the sacred months during which battles are prohibited, similar to Muharram and Rajab. Muslims prepare for Hajj during Zil-Qadah, and fasting and additional prayers (Nafil) are encouraged.

Zul-Hijah (ذو الحجة)

The twelfth and final month, Zul-Hijah, is the month of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. During the first ten days of Zul-Hijah, Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca for the pilgrimage, and Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated. These ten days are considered the most virtuous and significant in the Islamic calendar.

arabic month names

Significance of the Sacred Months

Prohibition of Warfare: During these Islamic months, fighting and warfare were traditionally forbidden. This practice was honored even before Islam and was continued after its advent, emphasizing the sanctity of these periods.

Increased Spiritual Rewards: Acts of worship and good deeds are believed to carry greater rewards during these months. Similarly, committing sins during these months is considered more serious.

Peace and Reflection: The sacred months offer a time for Muslims to focus on peace, reflection, and spiritual growth, especially during periods like Dhu al-Hijjah when Hajj is performed.

These months are recognized as times of heightened spiritual significance and are respected by Muslims worldwide

Conclusion

These Islamic Months’ names reflect both the religious significance and the historical context of each month in the Islamic calendar.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar starting from the year of the Hijra, and it is integral to Islamic religious observances. It consists of twelve months that are determined by the lunar cycle, and its year is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. Its use reflects both the religious and cultural aspects of the Muslim world, with its primary application in determining the dates for Islamic rituals and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. Who Named the Islamic Months?

The names of the Islamic months were not specifically assigned by a single individual but were inherited from the pre-Islamic Arab calendar. These month names were already in use by the Arabs before the advent of Islam. The Arab tribes used a lunar calendar, similar to the Islamic calendar, to mark time.

When Islam was established, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers continued to use the existing month names but reformed the calendar to align it with Islamic teachings and events. For instance, the significance of some months, such as Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, became more pronounced due to Islamic practices like fasting and pilgrimage.

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, was officially introduced during the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (R.A) in 638 CE. The calendar was backdated to begin with the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which marked the beginning of the Islamic era. However, the month names themselves remained the same as those used by pre-Islamic Arabs.

Q. What are the 12 Islamic Months in order?

The 12 months of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar in order are: