Muslims around the world use the Islamic Calendar to determine the dates of religious events and observances.
We are now in the year 1444 / 1445 of the Islamic calendar, which is also often referred to as the Lunar or Hijri calendar.
The calendar is based on 12 lunar months with a new month beginning when a new moon is sighted. Consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 days, the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar followed by much of the western world. In short, this means Islamic dates fall 10 or 11 days earlier in each regular western year.
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It is possible to predict the dates in the calendar in advance but in practice, a sighting of the first crescent of the new moon is confirmed before the start of each month is known. Following this, all other dates within that month can then be determined.
The calendar was established in 622 AD when Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina – after being warned of an assassination plot – and established the first Muslim community. Years prior to this date are denoted as BH (Before Hijra).
Between now and the end of the year 2023, there are several Islamic events taking place. These are listed below, however, dates can vary by a day or two on either side, depending on which reports of moon sightings are followed.
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Ramadan begins – Thursday, March 23
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Laylatul Qadr – Tuesday, April 18
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Eid al Fitr – Friday, April 21
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Dhul Hijjah begins – Monday, June 19
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Hajj begins – Monday, June 26
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Day of Arafah – Tuesday, June 27
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Eid al Adha – Wednesday, June 28
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Islamic New Year – Wednesday, 19 July
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Day of Ashura – Friday, July 28
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12th Rabi Al Awwal – Wednesday, September 27
We are now in the 8th month – Shaban – of the year 1444 with it having started on Tuesday, February 21. The 9th month – Ramadan – begins later this week on Thursday, March 23.
The remaining months of the year – Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah – all have been predicted start dates according to astronomical charts. However, these dates are subject to an official sighting of the first crescent of the new moon and therefore can vary by day and also location.
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Shawwal (10th month) – predicted to start Friday, April 21
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Dhul Qadah (11th month) – predicted to start Sunday, May 21
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Dhul Hijjah (12th month) – predicted to start Monday, June 19
Events throughout the Islamic Calendar
Laylat al Miraj
Laylat (or Lailat) al-Miraj marks the night-time journey of the prophet Muhammad from Mecca to what the Qur'an describes as the 'farthest mosque in Jerusalem.'
Lailat al Miraj is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar. Some Muslims gather at their local mosque for prayers, while others celebrate at home by telling the story of Muhammad's journey to children and reciting prayers at night. After prayers, food is served.
In some countries, cities are illuminated with candles and lights and some worshippers take part in fasting.
Shab e Barat
Also called Laylat al-Bara'at, Bara'a Night or Mid-Sha'ban, this is a holiday observed on the night between the 14th and 15th day of the month of Sha'ban.
Shab e Barat is when Muslims believe the fortunes of men are decided for the year ahead and when Allah descends to earth and offers mercy and forgiveness to sinners.
Prayers are held through the night so that worshippers can ask for forgiveness for themselves and for their dead ancestors. Lamps are lit outside mosques.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from before dawn through to sunset. Fasting means no food or drink and also refraining from smoking, sex and "sinful behaviour" such as swearing, lying and gossiping.
Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an, were revealed to Muhammad.
Within the last 10 days of Ramadan is the celebration called Laylat al-Qadr, meaning Night of Power or Destiny. This is when the first verses of the Qu'ran were revealed and it is said to be the night when sins are forgiven and the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant.
On the last day of Ramadan, Muslims gather to celebrate and look for the first crescent of the new moon. This event is called Chaand Raat, meaning 'night of the moon'.
Eid al-Fitr
Also written as Eid ul Fitr, this means Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It marks the end of Ramadan and the first day of the next month, Shawwal.
Eid al-Adha
This is the second Eid celebration in the Muslim year. The name means Festival of the Sacrifice. The holiday lasts from three to 16 days, depending on the country.
It commemorates Ibraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims mark the occasion by sacrificing a lamb, goat, cow or other animal and sharing the meat with friends and neighbours, and with the poor.
Hajj
This is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey that is required at least once in a Muslim worshipper's lifetime if they are financially and physically able to do it. Up to three million Muslims perform the pilgrimage every year.
The second day of the Hajj is called the Day of Arafah, commemorating Muhammad's final sermon, which was delivered from Mount Arafah. Pilgrims hold a vigil at Arafah, where they pray, repent for their sins and ask for mercy from Allah.
Muslims who did not go to Hajj fast to repent for their sins.
Islamic New Year
The first day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, is Islamic New Year.
The Islamic calendar began with the migration of the prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, to escape persecution.
Day of Ashura
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram.
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks the exodus of Moses from Egypt and is usually observed by completing an optional fast that was undertaken by Muhammad.
For Shia Muslims, it marks the anniversary of the tragic death of the prophet’s grandson, Husain. They mark the day with mourning and sometimes by re-enacting the tragic event.
Arba'een
This means 'forty' and is a Shia Muslim religious observance that takes place 40 days after Ashura. It commemorates the martyrdom of the grandson of Muhammad in the Battle of Karbala.
Arba'een sees one of the largest pilgrimage gatherings in the world, with millions of Muslims marching on foot to Karbala in Iraq. Sunni Muslims also undertake the pilgrimage.
Milad/Mawlid
Mawlid (or Milad) un-Nabi means 'birth of the prophet' and refers to the observance of the birthday of Muhammad, which is commemorated in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
The exact date of Muhammad's birth is not known but it's often regarded as the 12th day of the month. This is the usual custom for Sunni Muslims, although Shia Muslims believe the prophet's birthday was on the 17th day.
This date – sometimes just referred to as Mawlid or Milad, and also as Eid al-Mawlid and Eid-e-Milad – is observed by praising Allah, fasting, public processions, poetry, family gatherings and the decoration of streets and homes.
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