Introduction
The Islamic lunar calendar (also
referred to as Hijri calendar) is a purely lunar calendar. It contains
12 months that are based on the phases of the moon. Each lunar month is
approximately 29.53 solar days. Therefore, the Islamic calendar is shorter than
the Gregorian calendar. 12 lunar months is about 12 x 29.53=354.36 days (10 to
11 days shorter than the solar calendar). This why you may have noticed that
the month of Ramadan and the time of Hajj gets earlier each year.
Names
of Months
The 12 months of the calendar are:
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History
The Islamic lunar calendar, was
first introduced in 638 AD by the second Caliph (Khalifa in Arabic),
`Umar ibn Al-Khattab. The starting point of the calendar however was set to
about sixteen years earlier, to mark the Hijrah — i.e. the time of
emigration of the prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. The word hijrah
means to leave a place to seek sancturary or freedom from persecution or
freedom of religion (or any other purpose). The emigration to Medina was a
historic event, as it marked the turning point from persecution to freedom and
acceptance of Submission (Islam in Arabic).
The actual starting date for the
Calendar was chosen to be the first day of the first month (1 Muharram) of the
year of the Hijrah. The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is usually abbreviated
A.H. in Western languages (similar to A.D. used to mark the Christian
calendar). Muharram 1, 1 A.H. corresponds to July 16, 622 A.D.
Note that the actual month names
such as Muharram and Ramadan, were in existence prior to the establishment of
the Hijri calendar. That is why, God says in Quran 2:185 "Ramadan
is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the
people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this
month shall fast therein. ..."
Quranic
References to Calendar & Months
Both the sun and the moon are
described as "calculation devices" for the people (Quran 6:96). Thus,
while we use the sun for determining the times for prayer, in our daily
activities and in clocks worldwide, the lunar calendar is also used to
determine the times for Ramadan and Hajj.
[6:96] At the crack of dawn, He
causes the morning to emerge. He made the night still, and He rendered the sun
and the moon to serve as calculation devices. Such is the design of the
Almighty, the Omniscient.
Specifically, the phases of the moon
are cited as a timing device for the people in Quran 2:189 and 10:5.
[2:189] They ask you about the
phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and
determine the time of Hajj. ...
[10:5] He is the One who rendered
the sun radiant, and the moon a light, and He designed its phases that you may
learn to count the years and to calculate. GOD did not create all this, except
for a specific purpose. He explains the revelations for people who know.
God makes it very clear in the Quran
that there are twelve months. We are also told that four of these months are
sacred (months 12, 1, 2, 3). While some muslims alternate the sacred and
regular months, God condemns this in Quran 9:37. Thus we know that all the four
sacred months are sequential (i.e. one after the other).
God's System: Twelve Months Per
Year*
[9:36] The count of months, as far
as GOD is concerned, is twelve.* This has been GOD's law, since the day He
created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the perfect
religion; you shall not wrong your souls (by fighting) during the Sacred
Months. However, you may declare all-out war against the idol worshipers (even
during the Sacred Months), when they declare all-out war against you, and know
that GOD is on the side of the righteous.
[9:37] Altering the Sacred Months is a sign of excessive disbelief; it augments the straying of those who have disbelieved. They alternate the Sacred Months and the regular months, while preserving the number of months consecrated by GOD. They thus violate what GOD has consecrated. Their evil works are adorned in their eyes. GOD does not guide the disbelieving people.
*9:36 The word ``month'' is
mentioned in the Quran 12 times, and ``day'' 365 times.
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