Hijri (Islamic Calendar)
The Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the Prophet's migration to Medina.
The Hijri calendar (Arabic: التقويم الهجري) is the Islamic lunar calendar used to determine the dates of Islamic holidays, Ramadan, and other religious events. The calendar begins with the hijra — Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
The Hijri calendar has 12 months based on the moon's cycle: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Each month has 29 or 30 days, and the Islamic year is approximately 354 days — 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. Therefore, Islamic holidays and Ramadan "travel" through the Gregorian calendar year and fall at different times each year.
The current Hijri date is displayed on many Islamic websites and in mosques. In 2026, we are in the Hijri years 1447-1448.
Related terms
Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.
Rawatib (Regular Sunnah Prayers)
The voluntary prayers regularly prayed before and after the obligatory prayers.
Tawbah (Repentance)
Sincere repentance and return to Allah after sin.
Salat al-Hajat (Prayer of Need)
A voluntary prayer performed when one has a specific need or wish.
Tajwid (Proper Quran Recitation)
The science of proper pronunciation and recitation of the Quran during prayer.
Barakah (Blessing)
Divine blessing and abundance, obtained through worship and good deeds.