The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, has great significance in Islam. Here are some key aspects:

*Importance:*

1. Worship and prayer timing

2. Islamic holidays and celebrations

3. Historical events and commemorations

4. Guidance for Muslims worldwide

*Key Features:*

1. Lunar-based: 12 months, 354-355 days

2. Begins with Muharram, ends with Dhul-Hijjah

3. Months:

– Muharram (1st)

– Safar (2nd)

– Rabi’ al-awwal (3rd)

– Rabi’ ath-thani (4th)

– Jumada al-awwal (5th)

– Jumada ath-thani (6th)

– Rajab (7th)

– Sha’ban (8th)

– Ramadan (9th)

– Shawwal (10th)

– Dhul-Qadah (11th)

– Dhul-Hijjah (12th)

*Significant Dates:*

1. 1st Muharram: Islamic New Year

2. 10th Muharram: Ashura (commemorating Imam Hussein’s martyrdom)

3. 1st Ramadan: Start of fasting

4. 27th Ramadan: Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)

5. 1st Shawwal: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)

6. 10th Dhul-Hijjah: Eid al-Adha (sacrifice feast)

*Prophetic significance:*

1. Migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina (622 CE)

2. Marks the beginning of Islamic era

*Quranic references:*

1. “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months…” (9:36-37)

2. “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Quran was revealed…” (2:185)

*Cultural impact:*

1. Unifies Muslims globally

2. Guides daily life, worship, and celebrations

3. Preserves Islamic heritage and tradition

The Islamic calendar serves as a vital tool for Muslims, connecting them to their faith, history, and community.