Hijri Months and Hijri Calendar
Hijri Months and Hijri Calendar
Hijri months have a great importance in the follow-up of religious worship, important days and nights in the Islamic world. The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar, accepts the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Mecca to Medina as the starting year.
What are Hijri Months and How is the Hijri Calendar Calculated?
Hijri months consist of 12 months determined according to the Islamic calendar.
The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar based on the movements of the moon. That is, a month in the Hijri calendar is determined by the moon completing one revolution around the earth. For this reason, the Hijri months are approximately 10-12 days shorter than the months in the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Hijri calendar dates back to the year 622, when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Mecca to Medina. This event is considered a very important turning point in Islamic history and was chosen as the starting point of the Hijri calendar.
What are the Hijri Months?
The 12 months in the Hijri calendar are as follows respectively:
1-Muharram
2-Safer
3-Rabi al-Awwal
4-Rabi al-Ahir
5-Jamaziyelevvel
6-Jamaziyelahir
7- Rajab
8- Shaaban
9-Ramadan
10- Shawwal
11- Zilqada
12-Zilhijjah
Each month has a different significance in Islamic history and worship. For example, Ramadan is a blessed month of fasting. The month of Dhu al-Hijjah is the month in which Hajj worship is performed and Eid al-Adha is celebrated.
What are the Haram Months and Why are they important?
The four months in the Hijri calendar are called ‘Haram Months’. These months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhu'l-Qadr and Dhu'l-Hijjah. The term ‘Haram Months’ comes from the fact that these months are considered sacred and untouchable. It is stated that war, bloodshed and enmity are forbidden in these months and peace and tranquility should be established. These months were also considered sacred in the pre-Islamic Arab society and this sacredness was preserved with the advent of Islam.
Religious Importance of Hijri Months
Hijri months have a great spiritual value for the Islamic religion. For example
Ramadan: It is the month of fasting and one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims discipline their souls by fasting and develop their feelings of patience and gratitude. In this month, the Holy Qur'an was revealed, so great importance is attached to the reading and understanding of the Qur'an.
Muharram: The first month of the Hijri year and also the month in which Ashura Day is celebrated. Ashura Day commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Hussein and his companions in Karbala.
Dhu al-Hijjah: It is the month in which Hajj is performed and Eid al-Adha is celebrated. In this month, Muslims who fulfil the pilgrimage obligation perform waqf in Arafat and express their desire to get closer to Allah with the Feast of Sacrifice.
Holy Nights and Hijri Months
There are many blessed nights in the Hijri months, especially in the months of Rajab, Sha'ban and Ramadan. Nights such as Raghaip Night, Miraj Night, Baraat Night and Laylat al-Qadr Night have a great spiritual value for Muslims. The prayers, prayers and repentances performed on these nights are rewarded with great rewards in the sight of Allah. Especially Laylat al-Qadr Night, as the night when the Holy Qur'an began to be revealed, is considered more auspicious than a thousand months and the reward for the worship performed on this night is very great.
Place and Importance of Hijri Calendar in Today's World
Today, the Hijri calendar is used in Muslim countries and communities to determine religious days, festivals and important events. The Hijri calendar is used to determine days such as the beginning and end of the Hijri New Year, the beginning and end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha. In addition, in Islamic societies, the beginning of each month in the calendar is determined by observing the crescent moon. This shows the nature of the Islamic calendar based on the movements of the moon and the relationship of Muslims with astronomy.
The Place of Hijri Months in Spiritual and Social Life
Hijri months have an important place in the spiritual life of Muslim societies. These months are times of opportunity for both individual and social worship and charitable activities. For example, during Ramadan, iftar tables are set and the spirit of solidarity is reinforced, while social solidarity is strengthened by distributing sacrificial meat to those in need on Eid al-Adha. Similarly, traditions such as the distribution of Ashura on Ashura Day are important social events that increase unity and solidarity among communities.