The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, begins with one of the most pivotal events in Islamic history—the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from Mecca to Medina. This event not only marked the birth of a new civilization founded on faith and justice, but also symbolized a profound spiritual transition from oppression to freedom, from hardship to divine triumph.
The Hijrah represents the moment when Muslims moved from vulnerability to empowerment, no longer persecuted, but embraced as a community. It was the beginning of a new chapter not only for Islam, but for the entire world. And with this migration, a new calendar was born—a sacred framework of time filled with divine opportunity.
The Islamic calendar is not merely a record of days, but a divine map for spiritual growth. Each month, each day, each moment is a branch laden with fruits of mercy for those who seek to draw closer to God. As the Qur’an reminds us: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of God. Indeed, God forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful’” (Qur’an 39:53).
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may God have mercy on him) beautifully captured this idea:
“The year is like a tree, its months are branches, its days are twigs, its hours are leaves, and our breaths are the fruit. If our breaths are in obedience, the fruits are sweet; if in disobedience, they are bitter. And the harvest comes on the Day of Judgment.”
The Calendar as a Path of Mercy
God’s mercy flows through the months of the Islamic year, offering moments for reflection, repentance, and renewal. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, your Lord has in the days of your life gifts of His mercy—so expose yourselves to them.” (Tabarani)
Let us walk through the months of the Islamic year and explore how each one offers spiritual gifts for those who seek them.
Muharram: A Sacred Start
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an: “Indeed, the number of months with God is twelve… of these, four are sacred” (Qur’an 9:36). Sin is graver in these months, and virtue is more rewarded.
On the 10th of Muharram, the Day of ‘Ashura, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura, I hope, will expiate the sins of the previous year” (Muslim). Thus, we begin the year with a chance for a clean slate, starting anew with God’s forgiveness.
Rabi‘ al-Awwal: The Month of Light
The majority of scholars agree that the 12th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal marks the blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Some have even called this month Rabi‘ al-Anwar—“the month of splendid lights”—for with the Prophet’s arrival, the world was illuminated with guidance, mercy, and truth.
The Prophet himself acknowledged the significance of his birth by fasting on Mondays, saying: “That is the day I was born” (Muslim). Rejoicing in the Prophet’s birth, remembering his teachings, and expressing love for him are acts that draw us nearer to God, as he said: “I am pleased with whoever is happy about my birth.”
Rajab: The Month of God
Rajab is another of the sacred months, often described as Shahr Allah—the month of God. It marks the gateway to the spiritually charged months of Sha‘ban and Ramadan.
During Rajab, Muslims commemorate the miraculous Night Journey and Ascension (Al-Isra’ wal-Mi‘raj), when the five daily prayers were established. This event is often observed on the 27th night with extra prayers, reflection, and gratitude for the gift of salah.
Sha‘ban: The Month of Preparation
Sha‘ban is a time of preparation for Ramadan and a month filled with spiritual potential. It is the month in which our deeds are presented to God. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “That is a month people neglect, but it is a month in which the deeds are taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and I love that my deeds be lifted while I am fasting.” (Nasa’i)
The 15th night of Sha‘ban, known as Laylat al-Bara’ah (the Night of Emancipation), is a moment of divine inspection. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “On the night of mid-Sha‘ban, God looks at His servants and forgives all of them, except the polytheist and the quarrelsome” (Ibn Majah).
Ramadan: The Crown of the Year
Ramadan, the ninth month, is the jewel of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, and a time in which mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from Hellfire are offered.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described it as:
“Its beginning is mercy, its middle is forgiveness, and its end is emancipation from the Hellfire” (Bukhari).
The final ten nights contain Laylat al-Qadr—the Night of Power—described as “better than a thousand months” (Qur’an 97:3).
Shawwal: A New Beginning
Eid al-Fitr on the first of Shawwal marks the celebration of completing a month of fasting and spiritual elevation. But the journey does not end there.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime” (Muslim). These six fasts are a chance to sustain the momentum and reap continuous rewards.
Dhul-Qa‘dah: A Month of Peace
As one of the sacred months, Dhul-Qa‘dah was traditionally a time of peace—when battles ceased in preparation for the Hajj season. It is a month of inner stillness and anticipation for the spiritual summit that follows: Dhul-Hijjah.
Dhul-Hijjah: The Days of Hajj and Sacrifice
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most beloved days to God. The Qur’an swears by them: “By the dawn, and the ten nights” (Qur’an 89:1–2). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to God than these ten days” (Bukhari).
The Day of ‘Arafah, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, is the pinnacle of Hajj. For those not on pilgrimage, fasting this day is a means of expiation for the past and coming year’s sins.
A Calendar of Mercy and Renewal
The Islamic calendar is more than a way to track time—it is a divine curriculum of mercy. It begins and ends with opportunities for reflection, growth, and forgiveness. God opens countless doors throughout the year for us to return to Him, to seek His mercy, and to renew our faith.
As Allah says: “Say: In the bounty of God and in His mercy—in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate” (Qur’an 10:58).
Every month is a chapter in the story of our journey to God. And every day is a new chance to bear fruits of obedience, gratitude, and love for the Most Merciful.
