The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar

Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year of about 354 days. The number of days each month is adjusted according to the lunar cycle, beginning about two days after the new moon. The months drift backward over the seasons, returning to their starting points after about 33 lunar years. The Islamic year begins on the first day of Muharram, and is counted from the year of the Hegira (anno Hegirae)—the year in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina (A.D. 622). The year 2015 translates to A.H. 1436–1437. The year 2016 translates to A.H. 1437–1438.

MonthNumber
of days
Muharram29 or 30
Safar29 or 30
Rabi I29 or 30
Rabi II29 or 30
Jumada I29 or 30
Jumada II29 or 30
Rajab29 or 30
Sha'ban29 or 30
Ramadan29 or 30
Shawwal29 or 30
Dhu'l-Qa'dah29 or 30
Dhu'l-Hijjah29 or 30


 
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