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2022-2023 Islamic Calendar (1444 Hijri)
The Islamic Calendar, known as the Hijri Calendar, is based on the lunar phase cycle. It takes the moon 29.5 days to orbit around the earth, therefore, all 12 months in the Islamic calendar are either 29 or 30 days long. This results in the Hijri Calendar being roughly 10 days shorter than the Gregorian Calendar every year.
Date | Religious Observance | Significance |
July 30 | Islamic New Year | The 1st of Muharram marks the beginning of the year 1444 Hijri. The word Hijri means “Since Migration” referring to the year Muhammad peace be upon him (pbuh) and his companions migrated from their hometown Makkah to escape thirteen years of persecution to find refuge in a northern oasis, modern-day city of Medina. |
Aug. 8 | Ashura | The 10th of Muharram is observed by Sunnis to commemorate God saving Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) from the Pharaoh of Egypt, and observed by Shia to mourn the death of Al-Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). |
Oct. 8 | Mawlid al-Nabi | The 12th of Rabi’ Al-awal marks a celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. |
Feb. 18 | Isra’ & Mi’raj | The 27th of Rajab marks the night that God took Muhammad (pbuh) on a journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the heavens. |
Mar. 23 - April 20 | Ramadan | The month of fasting, contemplation, restrain, and spiritual renewal is when Muslims worldwide fast 29 or 30 days from dawn to sunset. |
April 21-23 | Eid ul-Fitr | (Religious Holiday) The 1st-3rd of Shawwal marks the first major holiday celebrating the completion of Ramadan. |
June 25-30 | Hajj | The 7-12th of Thul-Hijjah marks the annual Hajj, a pilgrimage to Makkah to commemorate the trials and sacrifices of Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his family. Muslims embark on this journey at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able. |
June 27 | Day of ‘Arafah | The 9th of Thul-Hijjah marks the single day when all pilgrims stand on the mount of ‘Arafah in prayers, and those who are not attending the annual Hajj are encouraged to fast that day. |
June 28-30 | Eid ul-Adha | (Religious Holiday) The 10-12th of Thul-Hijjah marks the second major holiday celebrating the season of hajj/pilgrimage. |
July 19 | Islamic New Year | The 1st of Muharram marks the beginning of the year 1445 Hijri. |
