The 12 Islamic Months in Order
The Hijri year has twelve lunar months of 29 or 30 days each. Below are the months in order with a brief note on each, and links to each month's calendar for the current year 1448 AH.
1. Muharram (محرم)
The first month of the Hijri year and one of the four sacred months. It includes the Day of Ashura (the 10th), a recommended fast.
2. Safar (صفر)
The second month. Its name relates to homes emptying (ṣifr) as Arabs travelled after the sacred months.
3. Rabi' al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
The third month, in which the Prophet ﷺ was born, migrated to Madinah, and passed away according to the well-known accounts.
4. Rabi' al-Thani (ربيع الآخر)
The fourth month, named after the spring season at the time the months were named.
5. Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى)
The fifth month, named for the freezing (jumūd) of water in winter when it was named.
6. Jumada al-Akhirah (جمادى الآخرة)
The sixth month, also known as Jumada al-Thaniyah.
7. Rajab (رجب)
The seventh month and a sacred month, commonly associated with the Isra’ and Mi‘raj.
8. Sha'ban (شعبان)
The eighth month, in which deeds are raised; the Prophet ﷺ used to fast much of it.
9. Ramadan (رمضان)
The ninth month — the month of fasting and the revelation of the Quran, containing Laylat al-Qadr, better than a thousand months.
10. Shawwal (شوال)
The tenth month, beginning with Eid al-Fitr; fasting six days of Shawwal is recommended.
11. Dhu al-Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)
The eleventh month, a sacred month and one of the months of Hajj.
12. Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
The twelfth month and a sacred month, containing Hajj, the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha.
The four sacred months
Four of the twelve Hijri months are sacred (al-ashhur al-hurum): Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah and Muharram — three consecutive — and Rajab, which stands alone between Jumada and Sha’ban. Fighting was prohibited in them, and wrongdoing in these months is regarded as graver, while good deeds are especially encouraged.
What are the Islamic months in order?
In order: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah.
What are the four sacred months?
The sacred months are Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah and Muharram (three consecutive) plus Rajab. Fighting was forbidden in them.
How many days does a Hijri month have?
A Hijri month has either 29 or 30 days following the lunar cycle; no month has a fixed length across all years.