The Islamic calendar (also called Hijri or Lunar Hijri) is a lunar calendar with 354 or 355 days. It tracks 12 months based purely on moon phases, starting from the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Used by 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide for religious observances.
The 12 Hijri months are: Muharram (1), Safar (2), Rabi al-Awwal (3), Rabi al-Thani (4), Jumada al-Awwal (5), Jumada al-Thani (6), Rajab (7), Sha'ban (8), Ramadan (9), Shawwal (10), Dhu al-Qa'dah (11), and Dhu al-Hijjah (12).
Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). Because the lunar year is ~11 days shorter than the solar year, Islamic months drift earlier through the seasons over a 33-year cycle.
Ramadan, the 9th month, is the holy month of fasting. Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month, contains the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
Hijri New Year 1448 — approximately 14 June 2026.
Ashura (10 Muharram) — 23 June 2026 (1447) and 14 July 2026 (1448).
Mawlid an-Nabi (12 Rabi al-Awwal) — 26 August 2026.
Isra and Mi'raj (27 Rajab) — 4 February 2026.
Laylat al-Bara'at (15 Sha'ban) — 2 March 2026.
Ramadan begins (1 Ramadan) — ~17 February 2026.
Laylat al-Qadr (27 Ramadan) — ~16 March 2026.
Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal) — ~20 March 2026.
Hajj begins (8 Dhu al-Hijjah) — ~27 May 2026.
Eid al-Adha (10 Dhu al-Hijjah) — ~29 May 2026.