Hijri calendar

The Hijri calendar is lunar. A year runs about 354 or 355 days, roughly twelve days shorter than the Gregorian year, which is why Islamic months travel through the seasons and Ramadan can fall in summer or winter.

Umm al-Qura versus moon sighting

The table here uses the Umm al-Qura calculated calendar, used administratively in Saudi Arabia. Devotional month starts such as Ramadan, Shawwal and Dhul Hijjah depend on actual moon sighting, which varies by country and official decision. A one day difference from your local calendar is therefore normal and not a calculation error.

Practical uses of the converter

• Fixing the lunar due date for zakat.
• Finding the white days (13th, 14th, 15th) for recommended fasting.
• Planning ahead for Ashura, the Day of Arafah and the last ten nights.
• Converting birth dates, contracts and documents between calendars.

Months of the Hijri year

Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhirah, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah. Four are sacred: Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.

For official dates and contracts follow the calendar recognised in your country. This converter is a reference aid, as explained on the sources page.