# Islamic Calendar: Hijri Months and How It Works > The Islamic calendar has 12 lunar months and counts from the Hijrah. Learn the months in order and why Islamic dates move each year. - Canonical: https://muroujacademy.com/islamic-calendar/ - Published: 2022-07-24 - Updated: 2026-10-23 - Author: Murouj Academy - Publisher: Murouj Academy (https://muroujacademy.com/) --- [Islam](https://muroujacademy.com/category/islam/) July 24, 2022 Updated October 23, 2026 Murouj Academy 3 min read ![Abstract Islamic geometric pattern in rose, plum and gold: a twelve-segment dial around a star with one gold segment glowing.](https://muroujacademy.com/uploads/blog/islamic-calendar.webp) **The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, follows the moon and has 12 months.** Its starting point is the Hijrah in 622 A.D., and its year is shorter than a solar year, so Islamic dates move through the seasons. Ramadan, Hajj and the Eids fall within this calendar. ## What does Hijri mean, and when did the calendar begin? The name Hijri comes from the Hijrah, the migration of [Prophet Muhammad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad) (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Al Madina Al Monawara in 622 A.D. That event is the starting point from which Hijri years are counted. The calendar was established later under Umar ibn Al Khattab, who chose the Hijrah as its starting point after consultation with Uthman ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib. The migration and the later adoption of the calendar are distinct events. For the wider historical context, see our guide to the [origin of Islam](https://muroujacademy.com/origin-of-islam-religion/). ## Why do Islamic dates move each year? The Islamic calendar is lunar: it follows the cycles and phases of the moon. A Hijri year is about 354 days, making it shorter than a solar year. This difference means that Ramadan and other Islamic dates occur at different times of the solar year. They do not remain in a fixed season. ## What are the 12 Islamic months in order? The Islamic year begins with Muharram and ends with Dhu al Hajj. The months below are listed in order, alongside their meanings or key associations. | Hijri month | Meaning or association | | --- | --- | | Muharram | The first month. Its name means forbidden, and fighting is forbidden during it. | | Safar | There are differing explanations for the origin of its name. | | Rabi al Awal | Its name refers to the beginning of spring. | | Rabi al Thani | Its name means second spring. | | Jumada al Awal | Its name is associated with freezing water in winter. | | Jumada al Thani, also called al Akhir | Shares the association with winter and freezing water. | | Rajab | Its name means honor or respect. It is a sacred month in which fighting is forbidden. | | Shaaban | Its name means scattered, referring to people spreading out in search of water. Some Muslims begin preparing for Ramadan during this month. | | Ramadan | The month of fasting, when Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. | | Shawwal | The month in which Muslims celebrate Eid al Fitr. | | Dhu al Qaeda | A sacred month in which fighting and violence are forbidden, allowing safe travel for Hajj. | | Dhu al Hajj | The final month, when Muslims perform Hajj if they are able to and celebrate Eid al Adha. | ## How can children learn the Islamic months? Start with the month names in order, then connect them with familiar occasions: Ramadan with fasting, Shawwal with Eid al Fitr, and Dhu al Hajj with Hajj and Eid al Adha. Use the table as a reference while reading about [Muslim festivals and the Eids](https://muroujacademy.com/muslim-festivals/) or exploring [special days throughout the Islamic year](https://muroujacademy.com/special-days-for-muslims-during-the-year/). Parents who would like support can explore [one-to-one Islamic studies for kids](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/islamic-studies-for-kids/) or [book a free trial class](https://muroujacademy.com/register-free-trial/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Does the Islamic year begin with Ramadan? No. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year, while Ramadan is the ninth. Ramadan's importance as the month of fasting does not make it the beginning of the calendar. ### Do Islamic month names always match the seasons? No. Although some names refer to spring or freezing winter weather, the calendar follows the moon. Those names do not keep the months fixed in those seasons. ### Do Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha fall in the same month? No. Eid al Fitr is celebrated in Shawwal, while Eid al Adha is celebrated in Dhu al Hajj. Learn this with a teacher ## Islamic studies Murouj Academy teaches this in live one-to-one online lessons with native Arab teachers, including ijazah holders. You choose your teacher (women and girls learn with female teachers) and can start with a free trial class. [Explore our Islamic studies course](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/islamic-studies-for-kids/) ## Keep reading [Can a Woman Learn Quran From a Male Teacher?](https://muroujacademy.com/can-women-learn-quran-from-a-male-teacher/) [Quran for New Muslims: First Steps to Start Reading](https://muroujacademy.com/quran-for-new-muslims/) [What Does Al-Azhar Certified Mean for a Quran Teacher?](https://muroujacademy.com/what-does-al-azhar-certified-mean/) --- Book a free trial: https://muroujacademy.com/register-free-trial/