Islamic Month Name
The Muslim calendar follows the lunar calendar, in which the calendar counts time from the first sight of the moon and lasts approximately 29.5 days. Several factors, including weather, affect the visibility of the new moon, so the Islamic Calendar is just a prediction of possible Islamic events. It changes over time, and each month’s position varies yearly. The meaning of each month is different, and it comes systematically.
There are 12 months or 355 days in the Islamic Calendar, primarily used in Muslim nations and Western countries where Muslims celebrate religious festivals. Therefore, the lunar year is approximately ten days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, and the Islamic calendar does not follow any fixed seasons.
A brief explanation of Islamic months is as follows:
1.Muharram
The first Islamic month, Muharram, means forbidden. According to Muslim thought, it is the second holiest month after Ramadan. The day of Ashura falls on the tenth day of this month. Prophet Adam was born on the 10th of Muharram, and he entered Paradise. On this day, Hazrat Hussain (R.A) was martyred.
Before that, this month was regarded as a sacred month in which all unlawful actions were prohibited, especially the shedding of blood. It is significant for Muslims because it provides various benefits and blessings.
2.Safar
The Arabs of the region went out of their homes during the second month of the Islamic calendar to travel and fight. Safar is also known as autumn when trees’ leaves turn yellow. The Battle of Khaibar was fought in 7 A.H. Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa’s migration from Makah to Medina occurred on the 27th of Safar.
3.Rabi-ul-Awwal
Rabbi is a Persian word that means Spring, and Al-awwal is an Arabic word that means “in time.” It is the first month of Spring. Rabi-ul-Awwal comes after Safar, and this month is full of blessings because, on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born. It is also the month he left this world at 63.
It is an ideal time to learn more about the Holy Prophet’s life (PBUH). The battle of Buwaat and the Battle of Saf’vaan was fought in the year 2 A.H this month.
4.Rabi-us Sani
This Islamic month refers to the last Spring. There is no specific worship or event in the fourth month of the calendar. The new month begins when the moon’s first crescent is seen.
When this month comes, the Rabi-ul-Awwal will be on its way to an end. This month is also called Rabi-ul-Akhir and is commonly known as Rabi-ul-Thani.
This month, we must continuously recite the Holy Quran and the Prayer for Astaghfar and Nafil.
5.Jamadi-ul-Awwal
The month’s name is derived from the word ‘Jumda.’ This term is used to describe arid, dry land. This month, the Holy Prophet married his first beloved wife, Hadrat Khadijah (R.A), and several other significant events occurred.
It is stated in the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet) that no unique practice and particular custom is instructed to be practiced during this month. In the year 8 A.H., the Battle of Muta occurred in Jamadi-ul-Awwal. Khalid ibn Walid was declared “one of Allah’s swords” by the Prophet (PBUH) during this war.
6.Jamadi-us-Sani
One of the definitions given for the month is that it is the second month of summer. This month’s origins are the same as the previous month’s. This holds great significance in Islam. As a result, it is beneficial for Muslims to perform extra Zikar of Allah to get Allah’s mercy.
7.Rajab
The month of Rajab is considered the month of honor and respect; these days have many blessings and essential events. Mi’raj (the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens) took place this month, and He was granted the gift of Salaah.
It is among the four sacred months listed in the Quran. It is also known as Rajab al-Fard. While Prophet Muhammad was observing the moon of Rajab, He prayed to Allah with the exact words:
“Allāhumma bārik lanā fī rajaba wa shaʻbāna wa balligh-nā ramaḍāna.”
8.Shaban
The definition of the term is “consistently increasing or continuous rise.“ The showering of various blessings starts at the start of this eighth month and continues to increase until the end of the following month.
The “Laylat al-Bara’at” or ‘Night of Forgiveness‘ occurs on the fifteenth night and is one of the most important events of the month.
The Prophet (SAW) once said, “Sha’baan is my month, and Ramadhan is Allah’s month.”
9.Ramadan
The term “Ramadan“ is obtained from the Arabic word “Ar-ramda,“ which means “heat.“ It is known as the month of fasting, and this month is blessed with many blessings. Allah will save Muslims from the fires of hell and forgive their sins. In this holy month, the Qur’an was revealed.
Although all forms of worship are for Allah, fasting stands apart from all others because only Allah knows whether a person has fasted.
The Holy Prophet said:
“Oh people, there comes before you now a great month, a most blessed month, in which lies a night greater in virtue than 1,000 months; (LAYLATUL-QADR).”
10.Shawal
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. As a reward for fasting and praying during Ramadan, all sins are forgiven on the first day of Shawwal. Eid-ul-Fitr comes on the first day of Shawwal.
The Battle of Uhud was fought this month in 3 A.H. Moreover, a fight against the Banu Qaynuqaa took place a year before.
11.Zil-Qadah
Zil-Qadah means ‘master of truce.’ Just like the month ‘Muharram‘ and ‘Rajab,’ this month also prohibited battles. This month, after the Shawal, is also very significant for Muslims. Fasting and Nafil are essential during this month. People prepare for the Hajj (Pilgrimage) this month and stop doing business.
12.Zul-Hijah
It is the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar and the month of Hajj (Pilgrimage). Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is conducted this month. The second Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Adha, is also celebrated.
Hajj is practiced during the first ten days of the month, and these ten days, these virtuous days, are the most significant. Muslims from worldwide come to Makkah to visit the Kaaba during this month.