AHMED SHEHROZ Answered question November 23, 2024
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri or lunar calendar, is significant for several reasons:
- Religious Observances: It marks important Islamic holidays and events, such as Ramadan (the month of fasting), Eid al-Fitr (the festival that ends Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (the festival of sacrifice), and the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Historical Reference: The calendar begins with the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event is pivotal in Islamic history, marking the start of the Islamic era.
- Lunar Cycles: Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar, the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. Each month starts with the sighting of the new moon, which makes the Islamic year about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
- Cultural Identity: For Muslims around the world, the Islamic calendar is a key part of cultural and religious identity. It guides daily life, worship practices, and communal activities.
- Jurisprudence and Legal Matters: It is used for various legal and religious purposes within Islamic communities, such as calculating Zakat (charity) obligations, and determining the dates for religious rituals and ceremonies.
Overall, the Islamic calendar plays a central role in structuring time in relation to Islamic practice and tradition.
Muhammad Zubair Answered question August 29, 2024