The Islamic calendar started when Muslims migrated from Makah to Madina. This is called Hijrah in Arabic. This occasion which happened when Muslims were forced to flee Makkah to Madina individually and finally Prophet Muhammad Swalla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and his best friend Abu-Bakr Siddiyq Raddhiya llaahu ‘anhu made the difficult journey escaping the Mushrikeen in Makkah and headed to Madinah is famously known as Hijrah.

The Islamic Calendar which started following the Hijrah is very important to know because it allows Muslims to know when the important events took place. For example the fasting month is Ramadhaan and the festival feast is in the month of Shawwaal and Dhul Hajj.

The Islamic Calendar also allows the Muslims to keep on track of days where it is strongly recommended to fast during the month. These are the 14th 15th and 16th day of each month and are literally called the white days. Other Sunnah fast which can be performed is the 9th and 10th day of Muharram every year. This is the occasion when Prophet Musa ‘Alayhi Ssalaam was saved from the Pharaoh and which the Jews are also observing the fast.

Furthermore, Muslims are able to know historic events through the Islamic calendar just like the famous battle of Badr which took place in the month of Ramadhaan.

The Islamic Calendar has 12 months which are Muharram, Safar, Rabiiul Awwal, and Rabiiul thaani, Jumaadul Uulaa, Jumaadul Aakhar, Rajab, Shaaban, Ramadhaan, Shawwaal, Dhul Qaadah and Dhul Hajj.

There are four sacred and blessed months. These are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qaadah and Dhul Hajj.

The Islamic calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar, is 354/355 long and the New Year starts in Muharram. The Islamic calendar follows the moon and new month commence after the sight of the new crescent on 29th or 30th day of every month.