The Hijri Year
Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is lunar. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. The Hijri year is approximately 354 days — about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. As a result, Islamic holidays move forward through the Gregorian calendar each year, cycling through all seasons over approximately 33 years.
Safar
Empty — traditionally a month of travel
No major holidays this month
Rabi al-Thani
Second spring
No major holidays this month
Jumada al-Ula
First of parched land
No major holidays this month
Jumada al-Thani
Second of parched land
No major holidays this month
Rajab
Respect — one of the four sacred months
No major holidays this month
Sha'ban
Scattered — month of preparation
No major holidays this month
Dhul Qi'dah
The one of rest — one of the four sacred months
No major holidays this month
Dhul Hijjah
The one of pilgrimage — month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha