Islamic Months in Order with Meaning and Key Events
How well do you really know the Islamic months in order and their special stories? As Muslims, understanding the Islamic calendar is very important for our faith and for living our spiritual life in a meaningful way.
Each month has its own unique meaning and connects to important events that together show the rich history and values of our religion. Join us in this article as we uncover the Islamic months in order, their individual meanings, sacred significance, and important historical occurrences. We’ll also offer practical teaching tips for kids and point you to a valuable interactive learning tool.
Table of Contents
What Are the Islamic Months in Order? A Simple List
Before going further, it’s good to list the Islamic months in order to make things clearer. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, has 12 lunar months. These months are shorter than the months in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon. Here are the Islamic months in order:
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi’ al-Awwal
- Rabi’ al-Thani (Rabi’ al-Akhir)
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani (Jumada al-Akhir)
- Rajab
- Sha’ban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhu al-Qa’dah
- Dhu al-Hijjah
Understanding the Islamic months in order helps Muslims remember important dates like Ramadan, Hajj, and other religious events like Ashura.
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Names and Meanings of the 12 Hijri Months
Learning the names and what they mean in the Islamic months helps us better understand and value the Hijri calendar.
- Muharram – The word “Muharram” means “forbidden,” referring to its sacred status. It is the first month and considered one of the four sacred months where warfare is prohibited.
- Safar – Meaning “empty” or “void,” historically this month was associated with travel and migration.
- Rabi’ al-Awwal – Meaning “the first spring,” marking the season when this month often falls.
- Rabi’ al-Thani – The “second spring,” following Rabi’ al-Awwal.
- Jumada al-Awwal – Meaning “to freeze” or “parched land,” reflecting the dry climate of this month.
- Jumada al-Thani – The “second freezing month,” following Jumada al-Awwal.
- Rajab – Meaning “to respect” or “to honor,” another sacred month where fighting was traditionally prohibited.
- Sha’ban – Meaning “to disperse,” referring to tribes scattering in search of water.
- Ramadan –The word comes from “Ramad,” which means intense heat or a very hot sun. Ramadan is a month when people fast and it is the most important time for spiritual growth.
- Shawwal –The name means “to lift” or “to carry,” and it is linked to the time when animals move during their migration.
- Dhu al-Qa’dah – This month is called “The one of truce,” and it is a sacred time when fighting is not allowed.
- Dhu al-Hijjah – means “the month of pilgrimage. ” It is the month when the Hajj pilgrimage takes place and when other important religious rituals are carried out.
Each of these names shows how connected early Arab society was to nature and their traditions, helping us remember the heritage of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions.
Sacred Months and Why They Matter in Islam
Among islamic months in order, there are four months that are considered sacred: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. The Quran, specifically Surah At-Tawbah, verse 9:36, and many Hadiths talk about the special importance of these months. These months are special because:
- During these times, fighting and causing harm are not allowed, which helps keep people safe and peaceful.
- They allow Muslims to pray more and reflect seriously on their beliefs.
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) really valued these months in his teachings.
That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There is no Fara’ or ‘Atirah.” The Fara’ is the first of the offspring that would be born to them, so they would slaughter it. The ‘Atirah was an animal that they would slaughter during Rajab to honor the month of Rajab, since it was the first of the sacred months.
Muharram is especially important, and the 10th day of this month is called Ashura. On this day, people fast and remember important events from history.
Dhu al-Hijjah is the month when Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five main duties in Islam. It also includes the day of Eid al-Adha, which celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
Key Events in Each Islamic Month
Some of the Islamic months in order have important events and special times for prayer and devotion:
Muharram: The 10th day of Muharram is known as Ashura. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged fasting on this day to seek forgiveness for sins.
Rabi’ al-Awwal: This is the month when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born, and Muslims around the world celebrate this occasion.
Rajab: The events of Isra and Mi’raj, which are the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet, are traditionally celebrated on the 27th day of Rajab.
Sha’ban: The month preceding Ramadan, where the Prophet (PBUH) increased his fasting.
Ramadan: The most sacred month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Also, Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ. وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ . لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ (سورة القدر)
“Indeed, We sent it (the Qur’an) down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr)
“The Messenger of Allah would Yujawir (stay in I’tikaf) during the last ten (nights) of Ramadan and he said: ‘Seek the Night of Al-Qadr during the last ten (nights) of Ramadan.'”
Shawwal: Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal) celebrates the end of Ramadan. In addition, prophet Mihammad recommended fasting Six days during this month (known as the six days of Shawwal).
وَعَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ الْأَنْصَارِيِّ أَنَّهُ حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّال كَانَ كصيام الدَّهْر» . رَوَاهُ مُسلم
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari told that God’s messenger said, “If anyone fasts during Ramadan, then follows it with six days in Shawwal, it will be like a perpetual fast.”
Dhu al-Qa’dah: A sacred month of peace, preparing spiritually for Hajj.
Dhu al-Hijjah: The month of Hajj pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha on 10th Dhu al-Hijjah celebrates sacrifice and submission to Allah.
Tips for Teaching Kids the Islamic Calendar
Teaching children the Islamic months in order helps them develop a sense of religion and awareness early on. Here are some helpful ideas:
Use Visual Aids:Use pictures or colorful charts that show the 12 months in order, with images of important events.
Storytelling:Tell stories about each month, like the meaning of Ramadan and Hajj.
Songs and Rhymes: Sing simple songs or use rhymes that list the months in order to help kids remember them.
Practical Observance: Encourage kids to take part in activities like fasting, praying, or giving charity that happen during certain months.
Interactive Learning:Make learning fun by playing games or doing quizzes about the Islamic months in order.
Interactive Learning at Ulum Al-Azhar Academy
Anyone who wants a clear and fun way to learn about the Islamic months in order, Ulum Al-Azhar Academy provides interactive courses and materials that work for kids and grown-ups. At Ulum Al-Azhar, learners can:
- Find out what each Islamic month means and why it’s important.
- Learn about key historical and religious events connected to the months.
- Take part in quizzes and fun activities.
- Get help from expert Islamic teachers.
This approach makes learning the Islamic months in order both informative and spiritually meaningful.
Your Kids Islamic learning journey awaits, starting with Online Islamic Studies for Kids with Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs in Egypt.
Conclusion
The are not just a way to track time; they are a spiritual guide for a Muslim’s life. Each month has special meanings and important events that help us grow closer to Allah and His Messenger (PBUH). By learning about these holy months and their key days, we follow in the footsteps of past generations and stay true to our religious responsibilities.
Passing on knowledge about the Islamic calendar to younger people helps keep our faith alive and its traditions strong. Whether it’s through family or places like Ulum Al-Azhar Academy, learning the islamic months in order is a path of faith, learning, and love for our religion.
Get a free consultation session with Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs from Egypt and kickstart your personalized Islamic studies.
FAQs
Why is the Islamic calendar lunar-based?
The Islamic calendar follows the moon phases, making it about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. This helps Muslims worldwide determine religious dates consistently.
How many sacred months are there in the Islamic calendar?
There are four sacred months: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qa’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
What is the significance of Ramadan among the Islamic months in order?
Ramadan is the ninth month, dedicated to fasting and spiritual renewal. It is considered the holiest month with the revelation of the Quran and the Night of Decree.
Can the Islamic months start on different days in different countries?
Yes, the start of each month depends on the moon sighting, which may vary slightly by location.
