The 12 Islamic Months
A comprehensive guide to every month in the Hijri calendar — their Arabic names, meanings, number of days, and religious significance.
Muharram
محرم
Meaning: "Forbidden" or "sacred" — one of the four sacred months in Islam where warfare was traditionally prohibited.
Significance: The first month of the Islamic year. The 10th day (Ashura) commemorates the day Prophet Musa (Moses) was saved from Pharaoh. It is also a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala.
Safar
صفر
Meaning: "Void" or "yellow" — named for the emptying of Mecca as people left for trade, or for the yellowing of dates.
Significance: The Battle of Badr, the first major battle in Islamic history, took place on the 17th of Safar in the second year of Hijrah (some sources say Ramadan).
Rabi al-Awwal
ربيع الأول
Meaning: "The first spring" — the third month, marking the beginning of spring in the pre-Islamic Arabian calendar.
Significance: The month of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the 12th, celebrated as Mawlid al-Nabi. Also the month of his migration to Medina and his passing.
Rabi al-Thani
ربيع الثاني
Meaning: "The second spring" — the fourth month, continuing the spring season naming convention.
Significance: The death of Hazrat Khadijah (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, and the death of Abu Talib occurred in this month. It is also known as Rabi al-Akhir.
Jumada al-Ula
جمادى الأولى
Meaning: "The first month of freezing" — named for the cold winter season in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Significance: The Battle of Mutah, one of the earliest military expeditions, took place in Jumada al-Ula. The birth of Fatimah al-Zahra (RA), daughter of the Prophet, is also associated with this month.
Jumada al-Thani
جمادى الثانية
Meaning: "The second month of freezing" — the sixth month, continuing the winter naming.
Significance: The Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah both occurred during this month. Also known as Jumada al-Akhirah.
Rajab
رجب
Meaning: "Respected" or "great" — one of the four sacred months in Islam.
Significance: A sacred month where fighting is prohibited. The Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad) is believed to have occurred on the 27th of Rajab. It is also called Rajab al-Haram.
Shaban
شعبان
Meaning: "Scattered" or "dispersed" — named because the Arab tribes dispersed to find water during this month.
Significance: The 15th night of Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) is known as the Night of Fortune and Forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad would fast frequently in this month to prepare for Ramadan.
Ramadan
رمضان
Meaning: "Intense heat" or "scorching" — named for the hot, dry season when it originally fell.
Significance: The holiest month in Islam. Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory for all able Muslims. The Quran was first revealed in Ramadan. The last ten nights include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months.
Shawwal
شوال
Meaning: "Raised" or "lifted" — referring to the time when female camels would carry their young.
Significance: The 1st of Shawwal is Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. Fasting the six days of Shawwal (Sunnah fasting) is highly recommended and carries great reward.
Dhul Qadah
ذو القعدة
Meaning: "The month of sitting" — one of the four sacred months, when Arabs would stay home to prepare for Hajj.
Significance: A sacred month where warfare is prohibited. It is a month of preparation for the pilgrimage season. The Battle of the Trench (some accounts) also occurred in this month.
Dhul Hijjah
ذو الحجة
Meaning: "The month of Hajj" — the final month of the Islamic calendar, dedicated to the annual pilgrimage.
Significance: The holiest month for pilgrimage. The first ten days are the most blessed days of the year. The 9th is the Day of Arafah, the 10th is Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), and the days of Tashriq follow. The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th.
Months at a Glance
| # | English Name | Arabic | Days | Sacred |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muharram | محرم | 30 | Yes |
| 2 | Safar | صفر | 29 | — |
| 3 | Rabi al-Awwal | ربيع الأول | 30 | — |
| 4 | Rabi al-Thani | ربيع الثاني | 29 | — |
| 5 | Jumada al-Ula | جمادى الأولى | 30 | — |
| 6 | Jumada al-Thani | جمادى الثانية | 29 | — |
| 7 | Rajab | رجب | 30 | Yes |
| 8 | Shaban | شعبان | 29 | — |
| 9 | Ramadan | رمضان | 30 | — |
| 10 | Shawwal | شوال | 29 | — |
| 11 | Dhul Qadah | ذو القعدة | 30 | Yes |
| 12 | Dhul Hijjah | ذو الحجة | 29/30 | Yes |