The Islamic Calendar
A gentle guide to the Hijri year | Ramadan, Eid, and the sacred months | Find your local moon-sighting authority
Dhū al-Ḥijjah
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah — among the most sacred days of the year.
Fasting recommendedThe annual pilgrimage to Makkah, the fifth pillar of Islam.
Fasting optionalThe most important day of Hajj — fasting is highly recommended for non-pilgrims.
Fasting recommendedThe Festival of Sacrifice on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Fasting prohibitedThe three days after Eid al-Adha — fasting is prohibited.
Fasting prohibitedThe 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedMuḥarram
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The first day of the Islamic calendar year, marking the month of Muharram.
Fasting optionalA day of voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
Fasting recommendedThe 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedṢafar
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah.
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedRabī' al-Awwal
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The traditional date of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedRabī' al-Thānī
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedJumādā al-Ūlā
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedJumādā al-Ākhirah
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedRajab
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
Commemorates the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Fasting optionalThe 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedSha'bān
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The Night of the 15th of Sha'ban, associated with forgiveness and prayer.
Fasting optionalThe 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedRamaḍān
The holy month of fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Fasting mandatoryThe Night of Power, when the first verses of the Quran were revealed.
Fasting mandatoryThe 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedShawwāl
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of Ramadan.
Fasting prohibitedVoluntary fasting for any six days in Shawwal after Eid al-Fitr.
Fasting recommendedThe 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedDhū al-Qi'dah
Monday & Thursday Voluntary Fasts
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month — voluntary fasting recommended.
Fasting recommendedNote: Gregorian dates shown are algorithmically calculated approximations. Actual dates of Ramadan, the two Eids, and other events may vary by 1–2 days depending on moon sighting. Always verify with your local Islamic authority or mosque for official observance dates.