The Reason Why the Hijri Months Are Called by Their Well-Known Names.
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, consists of twelve lunar months. It was officially established during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), with the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah serving as its starting point. Although the calendar began with the Hijrah, the names of the months were already in use among the Arabs long before Islam.
These names were chosen based on the seasons, weather conditions, social customs, and significant activities that were taking place at the time they were named. While the lunar calendar moves through all seasons over time, the names have remained unchanged for over fourteen centuries.
1. Muharram (المحرّم)
Meaning: "The Sacred" or "Forbidden"
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which fighting was traditionally prohibited. Even before Islam, the Arabs respected this month and refrained from warfare, allowing people to travel safely and perform pilgrimage.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve... of these, four are sacred."
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
2. Safar (صفر)
Meaning: "Empty"
The word Safar comes from a root meaning "to be empty." It is believed that during this month many homes became empty because people traveled for trade or military expeditions. Another explanation is that supplies often became scarce after Muharram.
3. Rabi' al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
Meaning: "The First Spring"
This month received its name because it originally occurred during the spring season when it was first named. Although the Islamic calendar shifts through the seasons every 33 years, the name has remained unchanged.
4. Rabi' al-Thani (ربيع الآخر)
Meaning: "The Second Spring"
Also known as Rabi' al-Akhir, this month followed Rabi' al-Awwal and was likewise associated with the spring season.
5. Jumada al-Ula (جمادى الأولى)
Meaning: "The First Dry Month" or "The First Frozen Month"
The word Jumada comes from a root related to dryness or frozen water. Historians believe this month was named during a particularly cold period when water could freeze in parts of Arabia.
6. Jumada al-Akhirah (جمادى الآخرة)
Meaning: "The Second Dry/Frozen Month"
This month follows Jumada al-Ula and shares the same seasonal background that inspired its name.
7. Rajab (رجب)
Meaning: "To Respect" or "To Honor"
Rajab is another of the four sacred months. The Arabs greatly honored this month by avoiding warfare. In Islam, Rajab continues to be recognized as a sacred month deserving of respect and increased worship.
8. Sha'ban (شعبان)
Meaning: "To Scatter"
The name comes from the Arabic root meaning "to disperse" because tribes scattered during this month in search of water or to resume travel and trade after Rajab's peaceful period.
Sha'ban is also a month in which the Prophet ﷺ increased voluntary fasting in preparation for Ramadan.
9. Ramadan (رمضان)
Meaning: "Intense Heat"
The word Ramadan comes from a root meaning extreme heat or burning. It is believed the month was named during a particularly hot season. Spiritually, Ramadan burns away sins through fasting, worship, repentance, and devotion to Allah.
Allah says:
"The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an..."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
10. Shawwal (شوّال)
Meaning: "To Lift" or "Raise"
The month was named after the time when female camels would raise their tails, indicating changes in their condition. Shawwal is also the month in which Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr and are encouraged to fast six additional days.
11. Dhul-Qa'dah (ذو القعدة)
Meaning: "The Month of Sitting"
This sacred month was a time when people stayed home and refrained from fighting, allowing safe travel for pilgrims preparing for Hajj.
12. Dhul-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
Meaning: "The Month of Pilgrimage"
This month is named after the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House in Makkah. It contains some of the greatest days of the year, including the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha.
Allah says:
"And proclaim to the people the Hajj..."
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:27)
Why Have These Names Never Changed?
Although the Islamic calendar is lunar and rotates through every season over approximately 33 years, the names of the months have remained the same since before the advent of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ approved their continued use, preserving a tradition that connected the Islamic calendar to history while giving each month greater spiritual significance.
Today, Muslims around the world use these names not only to mark time but also to remember sacred occasions, acts of worship, and important events in Islamic history.
Lessons We Can Learn
The names of the Hijri months remind us that time itself is a blessing from Allah. Every month offers unique opportunities for worship, reflection, and personal growth. Whether it is the sacred months, the fasting of Ramadan, or the pilgrimage in Dhul-Hijjah, each month encourages believers to strengthen their relationship with Allah.
As Muslims, understanding the meanings behind these names deepens our appreciation of the Islamic calendar and helps us become more mindful of the spiritual opportunities that each month brings.
Conclusion
The twelve Hijri months are rooted in ancient Arabian history, yet they continue to guide the spiritual lives of Muslims across the world. Their names reflect the environment and customs of the people who first used them, while Islam preserved them and filled them with lasting religious significance. By learning the meanings behind these months, we gain a deeper connection to Islamic history and a greater appreciation for the rhythm of worship that the Hijri calendar provides.
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