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
Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening Chapter)
The opening chapter of the Quran, recited in every single rak'ah.
Sha'ban (The Prophet's Month)
The eighth Islamic month, with special emphasis on the 15th night.
Bismillah (In the Name of Allah)
The formula "In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," which opens prayer and action.
Zakat (Alms)
The obligatory alms that the Quran mentions alongside prayer.
Ziyarat Ashura (Ashura Visitation Prayer)
A powerful visitation prayer to Imam Husayn, recited daily by many Shia Muslims.
Salaf (The Pious Predecessors)
The first three generations of Muslims: sahabah, tabi'in, and tabi' al-tabi'in.