Islamic Calendar 2024 (Hijri Calendar 1445)

Islamic Date Today is Wednesday, 24 April 2024 | 15 Shawwāl, 1445 AH . The Islamic calendar also known as the Hijri calendar or Arabic Calendar, is based on the phases of the moon. It has 12 Lunar months having 354 or 355 days. The Islamic calendar is used by Muslims worldwide to determine the specific dates of Islamic events like fasting of Ramadan or pilgrimage to Mecca.

You can find the Islamic calendar 2024 of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, and other Muslim countries with updated today Islamic date on this website. We provide daily updates on Islamic dates along with Gregorian dates. Remember to visit our website Islamic Moment regularly to check the Islamic date today in Saudi Arabia.

What is an Islamic Calendar?

The Islamic calendar is a unique calendar used by Muslims around the world. It is different from the solar calendar that most people use because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, not the sun.

Hijri Calendar or lunar calendar has 12 months similar to the solar calendar, but each month is slightly shorter than the solar calendar. It has 354 or 355 days not similar to the solar calendar which has 365 or 366 days. Each month is slightly shorter because it depends on the moon cycles which are about 29.5 days long.

Establishment of the Islamic Calendar:

The Islamic calendar or Hijri calendar, began in the 7th century during the era of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab R.A (born in 582 or 583 CE Mecca, Hejaz, Arabia (present-day KSA) and died 3 November 644 CE (26 Dhu al-Hijjah 23 AH) (aged 60–61) Medina, Hejaz, Rashidun Caliphate (present-day KSA).

When the Islamic Empire grew rapidly, People realized that they needed a common calendar because many different cultures were incorporated into their calendars.

The Islamic calendar was established in the year of Hijrah when Prophet Muhammad(صَلَّىٰ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This event was the beginning of the Islamic calendar and also the first movement in Islamic history.

The Islamic calendar is also known as the Lunar calendar, based on the moon’s phases and in contrast the Gregorian calendar, also known as the Solar calendar or English calendar is based on the movement of the sun.

Main Events of the Islamic Calendar:

For Muslims, The Islamic calendar has great importance because it marks important religious festivals. It helps Muslims worldwide to determine the Islamic date today and when their Islamic events start. Here are some examples:

• Ramadan Kareem: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be the holiest month for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, which means they don’t eat or drink from dawn to dusk. This month is ended by Eid al Fitr, a festival gifted by Allah to Muslims.
• Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid is a festival that is celebrated by prayers, family gatherings, and delicious feasts. Eid al-Fitr represents the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwāl after sighting the moon which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
• Eid al Adha: Eid al Adha is another special festival with special significance for Muslims. It is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It is celebrated to alive the history when Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام) was ordered by ALLAH to sacrifice his son in the name of ALLAH(اللہ تعالی), but ALLAH(اللہ تعالی) sent a lamb instead to sacrifice. Eid Al Adha is also followed by a holy journey called Hajj in Mecca and Madinah.
• Hajj is an Islamic religious journey performed in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is followed by the sacrifice of animals, like sheep, camel, or cow, by the Muslims and share the meat with family, friends, and poor people who cannot afford a standard living lifestyle.
• Eid Milad un Nabi: It is a very special day for Muslims as this day belongs to the birthday of our last prophet Hazrat Muhammad(صَلَّىٰ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ). It is celebrated on the 12th Rabi ul Awal. We celebrate Milad un Nabi by reading the Quran, praying, and coming together with others in our community.

Difference between the Islamic calendar and the Gregorian calendar:

The main differences between the Islamic calendar and the Gregorian calendar are the starting points and how time is measured. The beginning of the Islamic calendar is the Hijra related to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّىٰ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) from Mecca to Medina. The Gregorian calendar is started with the supposed year of Jesus Christ’s birth.

Islamic calendar follows the moon’s cycles while the Gregorian calendar follows the sun’s position. The Conversion of two calendars requires complex calculations.

Structure of the Islamic Calendar:

The Islamic calendar has 12 months with a variation of 29 and 30 days in a month and it depends on the sighting of the moon.

The first month of the Hijri Calendar is Muharram followed by Safar, Rabi Al Awwal, Rabi Al Thani, Jumada Al Awwal, Jumada Al Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Kadah and Dhul Hijjah.

The Islamic Calendar months Name:

The Islamic year, based on the lunar cycle is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year which is based on the solar cycle. Here is a guide to the Islamic calendar 2024 months with their names and meanings.

1. Muharram – The Month of Allah
2. Safar – The Month of Distinction
3. Rabi Al-Awwal – The Birth of the Beloved
4. Rabi Al-Thani
5. Jamada Al-Awwal
6. Jamada Al-Thani
7. Rajab – A Sacred Month
8. Sha’ban – The Neglected Month
9. Ramadan – The Month of Fasting
10. Shawwal – The Month of Reward
11. Dhul Qadah – A Sacred Month
12. Dhul Hijjah – The 10 Best Days (The Month of Hajj)

Conclusion:

The Islamic Calendar 2024 or Hijri Calendar 2024 has great importance to the Muslim world. It operates on the lunar cycle and maintains Muslim traditions and modern contexts.

Our website Islamic Moment is your daily companion in keeping up with the Islamic date today and the Islamic calendar 2024 worldwide.

We provide accurate and timely information to help you stay connected to your faith. Remember to check in today to see the today Islamic date and make sure you are on track with your religious duties. Our goal is to support your spiritual journey with simplicity and precision every day.