Hijri Calendar 2026 — History, 12 Months, and How to Calculate Hijri Dates
Everything about the Islamic Hijri calendar: its history since 622 CE, 12 lunar months explained, difference from Gregorian, and how to calculate your Hijri date.
The Hijri calendar, also called the Islamic calendar, is a lunar calendar based on cycles of the Moon. It is used throughout the Muslim world to determine the proper days for Islamic holidays and rituals such as the fasting month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Hajj pilgrimage. The calendar consists of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days — about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. Because of this difference, Islamic events gradually shift through all seasons of the Gregorian calendar over a cycle of approximately 33 years.
fact_checkKey Facts
- check_circleStarted in 622 CE (year 1 AH — After Hijra)
- check_circleConsists of 12 lunar months
- check_circleA Hijri year = 354 or 355 days
- check_circle10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian year
- check_circleUsed to determine all major Islamic religious events
history_eduHistory of the Hijri Calendar — Who Created It and When?
The Hijri calendar was officially established during the reign of the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him), around 638–639 CE. The companions of the Prophet chose the year of the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE as the starting point of the Islamic era — hence the name "Hijri." Before this, Arabs used various regional calendars. The Hijri calendar quickly became the official religious reference for all Islamic nations and remains so today.
wb_twilightHow Does the Hijri Calendar Work?
The Hijri calendar tracks months by the lunar cycle. Each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal), and lasts either 29 or 30 days. Because a lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about 10–11 days, Islamic months cycle through all four seasons roughly every 33 years. Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries use official astronomical calculations to determine month starts, while other countries rely on physical moon sighting. A Hijri year has either 354 days (common year) or 355 days (leap year).
mosqueImportance of the Hijri Calendar in Islam
The Hijri calendar is the backbone of Islamic religious practice. It is used to determine: the start and end of Ramadan fasting, Eid al-Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal, Eid al-Adha on the 10th of Dhul Hijja, the Day of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijja, the day of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram, and the Prophet's birthday (Mawlid) in Rabi' al-Awwal. It is also the official calendar for government documents in Saudi Arabia and several other Muslim-majority countries.
calendar_view_monthThe 12 Months
- 1Muharram (محرم)
First month — one of the four sacred months; includes the Day of Ashura
- 2Safar (صفر)
Second month of the Hijri year
- 3Rabi' al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
Month of the Prophet Muhammad's birth — Mawlid al-Nabi
- 4Rabi' al-Thani (ربيع الآخر)
Fourth month of the Hijri year
- 5Jumada al-Awwal (جمادى الأولى)
Fifth month of the Hijri year
- 6Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الآخرة)
Sixth month of the Hijri year
- 7Rajab (رجب)
One of the four sacred months — the Night Journey (Isra' wal Mi'raj) is observed
- 8Sha'ban (شعبان)
Directly precedes Ramadan — Muslims increase voluntary fasting
- 9Ramadan (رمضان)
The holiest month — obligatory fasting, revelation of the Quran
- 10Shawwal (شوال)
Begins with Eid al-Fitr — six optional fasting days are recommended
- 11Dhu al-Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)
One of the four sacred months — pilgrimage preparation
- 12Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
Month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha — the last month of the year
compare_arrowsComparison: Hijri vs. Gregorian
| Feature | Hijri | Gregorian |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Lunar (Moon cycles) | Solar (Earth's orbit around Sun) |
| Days per year | 354 or 355 days | 365 or 366 days |
| Number of months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Days per month | 29 or 30 days | 28 to 31 days |
| Epoch (start) | 622 CE — The Prophet's Migration | Birth of Christ (approx. 1 CE) |
| Current year (2026) | 1447 AH | 2026 CE |
| Primary use | Islamic religious events | International civil standard |
FAQ: Hijri Calendar
What is the Hijri calendar?expand_more
The Hijri calendar is Islam's official calendar — a 12-month lunar system that began in 622 CE with the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina. It is used to determine Ramadan, Eid, Hajj, and all major Islamic observances.
How many days are in a Hijri year?expand_more
A Hijri year has 354 or 355 days — about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This is why Ramadan and other Islamic events fall about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all four seasons every ~33 years.
How do I calculate my Hijri age?expand_more
Use the age calculator at agecalc.fun — enter your birth date and instantly get your exact age in both Hijri (AH) and Gregorian (CE) calendars, shown in years, months, and days.
What Hijri year is it in 2026?expand_more
In 2026 CE, the current Hijri year is 1447 AH. Since the Hijri calendar is about 11 days shorter per year, the exact correspondence shifts constantly.
What are the four sacred months in Islam?expand_more
The four sacred months (Ash'hur al-Hurum) are Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. They are mentioned in the Quran and are months of heightened spiritual observance.
Why does Ramadan fall on a different date every year?expand_more
Because the Hijri calendar is lunar (354–355 days), while the Gregorian is solar (365–366 days), Ramadan starts about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Over a 33-year cycle, Ramadan passes through every season.
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