(10 Facts About The Islamic Calendar)

1- Umar (May Allah be pleased with him), companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) initiated the use of the Hijri calendar over others used during his time. However, the calendar was not actually used until 638 AD.

2-This year was chosen because it is the year that Mohammed immigrated from Mecca to Medina.

3- There are 354 days in a Hijra year. On leap years, one day is added to the 12th month, giving it 30 days.

4-Because the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian year, it will eventually catch up

Right now, there is a 578 year difference between the Gregorian and Islamic calendars. However, in the year 20,874 AD, it will also be 20,874 AH.

5- There are 4 months in this calendar which are considered sacred by Muslims. Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijja.

6- Each numbered year is designated either “H” for Hijrah or “AH” for the Latin Anno Hegirae (in the year of the Hijrah) Hence, the current year is referred to as 1444 AH – 2022 .

7- The earliest surviving use of the Islamic calendar is on a papyrus from Egypt and is written as 22 AH (643 AD).

8- The 8th month of the Hijri Calendar is Shaban, which literally means scattered or separation. In ancient Arabia this month marked the time of year when Arab tribes dispersed to find water.

9- The Hijri calendar continues to be widely used by Muslims around the world to determine important Islamic days on which they observe annual fasting, to attend the major pilgrimage, Hajj, & to celebrate other Islamic holidays and rites.

10- The Islamic calendar counts time from what is known in the Gregorian calendar as 622 AD. its beginning with the month of Muharram.