What is the Hijri Calendar?

What Is a Calendar?

A calendar is a system that organizes time into units such as days, months, and years. People use calendars to determine dates, track holidays, and observe special occasions.

How Did the Hijri Calendar Originate?

The Hijri Calendar is a calendar used by Muslims. Its starting point is the year 622 CE, the year of the Prophet’s migration (hijra) from Mecca to Medina. This event holds great significance in Islamic history, which is why this calendar is called the "Hijri Calendar."

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How Does the Hijri Calendar Work?

The Hijri Calendar is based on the movements of the Moon and is therefore known as a "lunar calendar." As the Moon orbits the Earth, each complete cycle takes approximately 29.5 days. This period is called a "lunar month." A Hijri year consists of twelve lunar months and totals approximately 354 days. As a result, the Hijri year is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year (solar year).

Months of the Hijri Calendar

The months of the Hijri Calendar are as follows:

1. Muharram

2. Safar

3. Rabi al-Awwal

4. Rabi al-Thani

5. Jumada al-Awwal

6. Jumada al-Thani

7. Rajab

8. Sha'ban

9. Ramadan

10. Shawwal

11. Dhu al-Qi'dah

12. Dhu al-Hijjah

Among these months, Ramadan is the month of fasting. Dhu al-Hijjah is the month during which the Hajj pilgrimage is performed.

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Why Is It Important?

The Hijri Calendar is especially important for determining religious observances. Many special days such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Mi'raj Kandili, and Mawlid Kandili are scheduled according to the Hijri Calendar. Additionally, the timing of religious duties such as fasting and Hajj is also determined by this calendar.

Difference Between the Hijri and Gregorian Calendars

The Gregorian Calendar is based on the Sun, while the Hijri Calendar is based on the Moon. As a result, the dates of religious observances in the Hijri Calendar occur approximately eleven days earlier each year in the Gregorian Calendar.

References:

- Presidency of Religious Affairs. "Hijri Calendar." https://www.diyanet.gov.tr

- Türkiye Diyanet Foundation Encyclopedia of Islam. "Calendar." https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/takvim

- TÜBİTAK Science Young. "The Scientific Way to Measure Time: Calendars." https://bilimgenc.tubitak.gov.tr