Islamic Agenda for 1447 Hijri
Understanding the Islamic Calendar and Its Significance
The calendar's origin traces back to ancient civilizations that needed systems to track time for agricultural cycles and religious events. Early calendars were often lunar-based, relying on the moon's phases, but eventually, solar calendars were developed to better align with the solar year and seasons.
The Islamic calendar adopted the same twelve 12 months, each with either 29 or 30 days, labelled with the same names and the same sequence as previously known in Arabia. The four sacred months during which warfare is prohibited were also preserved. The calendar would be lunar in accordance with the verses of the Qur’an: “They ask thee concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) mankind and for Pilgrimage” Surat Al Bakarah 2, Ayat 189.
The beginning of the Islamic calendar was a subject of debate but finally the Calif Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, took the event of the Hijra i.e. the year during which Prophet Mohamed PBUH emigrated from Mecca to Medina, in 622 A.D., as the starting point. Although this journey (Hijra) actually took place during the end of Safar and beginning of Rabi Awwal, the calendar starts on the first of Muharram.
The months of the Islamic Calendar and some important dates are listed below.
First – Muharram, means “Forbidden.” Sacred.
1 Muharram: Islamic New Year 1/1/1447 Hijri coincides with 26/6/2025, in Gregorian.
10 Muharram: ʿĀshūrāʾ 10/1/1447 Hijri coincides with 5/7/2025, in Gregorian.
Fasting and Remembrance (Sunni) / Remembrance and Mourning (Shia)
When Prophet Muhammad, PBUH , came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura, he asked why. They said, `This is a righteous day, it is the day when God saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Mousa fasted on this day.' He replied , `We have more right to Mousa than you,' so he fasted on that day and commanded (the Muslims) to fast on that day." [Al-Bukhari].
For Shia Muslims, Ashura, is a solemn day of commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (grandson of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH) at the Battle of Karbala (Iraq) in 680 CE where he and his companions were killed by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid.
Second - Safar means “whistling of the wind”. A windy time of the year.
Third - Rabi Awwal -First month of spring
Forth - Rabi Thani - Second month of Spring
Fifth - Jumad Awwal- First month of dryness
Sixth - Jumada Thani.- Second month of dryness
Seventh - Rajab, from Rajaba “to respect”. Sacred. It is also called Rajab al Fard. Fard means alone; because the other three sacred months come consecutively.
27 Rajab: Isrāʾ wal-Miʿrāj - 27/7/1447 Hijri coincides with 16/1/2026, in Gregorian.
Sometimes translated as the Night of the Ascension, this event marks two significant moments in Islam: Isra (“Night Journey”), when the Prophet Muhammad PBUH transported from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and then prayed with the other prophets; and Mi’raj (“Ladder” or “Ascension”), when Prophet Muhammad PBUH ascended into Heaven. According to Islamic tradition, it was during the Mi’raj that Allah gave his Prophet the instruction for Muslims to pray 5 times a day.
“Exalted is Allah who took His Worshipper (Prophet Muhammad PBUH) by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs”. Surah Al-Isra 17: Ayat 1. It is customarily to observe this date with prayer (especially at night) and the recounting of the story of Muhammad’s PBUH Night Journey
Eight - Sha’ban, derived from the word “shu’ba”, which means branch. The Arabs used to branch out during this month to look for water.
Nineth - Ramadan, the month of scorchedness of the ground due to excessive heat.
1 Ramaḍān: 1/9/1447 Hijri coincides with 18/2/2026, in Gregorian.
Observed by Muslims as a month of fasting, one of the pillars of Islam
“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so you may become mindful of Allah”. Surah Al-Baqarah 2 :Ayat 183
Late Ramaḍān: Laylat al-Qadr
Also known as the Night of Power, a significant Islamic observance, commemorates the night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH by the Angel Gabriel.
“The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion”. Surah Al-Baqarah 2: Ayat 185
While the exact date is unknown, it is widely accepted to being within the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on one of the odd-numbered nights. It is reported that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said “seek it on the 29th, 27th and 25th night (of Ramadan).” [Ahmad in his Musnad and Al-Bukhari in his Saheeh]
Laylat al-Qadr is considered the holiest night in Islam, with worship on this night being far more meritorious than a thousand months (approximately 83 years). Hence, Muslims engage in increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, charitable acts, and seeking forgiveness on this night.
Tenth - Shawwal Uplift, taken from the word “shala” which means to carry, a time of the year “when the female camels get pregnant”.
1 Shawwāl: Eid al-Fiṭr 1/10/1447 Hijri coincides with 20/3/2026, in Gregorian. Muslims mark one of the two major celebrations called Eid ul-Fitr or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.”
Eleventh - Zul Qa’da. Taken from the word “qa’ada” which means to sit. A time to stop business activities, and sit and prepare for the Hajj (Pilgrimage). Sacred.
Twelfth - Zul Hijja The month of “Hajj” (Pilgrimage). the pilgrimage to Mekka, fifth pillar of Islam. Sacred
8 Zul Hijja. 8/12/1447 Hijri coincides with 25/5/2026, in Gregorian. Hajj rituals start on this day.
“Announce to the people the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every deep and distant highway that they may witness the benefits for them and celebrate (praise) the name of Allah in the well-known days, over the sacrificial animals Allah has provided for them. Eat thereof and feed the poor in want. Then let them complete their rituals and perform their vows and circumbulate the Ancient House”. Quran, Surat 22: Ayat 27-29
10 Zul Hijja Eid al-Aḍḥā 10/12/1447 Hijri coincides with 27/5/2026, in Gregorian.
Eid ul-Adha ('Festival of Sacrifice') is one of the most important dates for Muslims. The festival commemorates prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ibrahim when Allah ordered him so. Celebrations and observances are generally carried forward to the three following days, known as the Tashreeq days.
With the lunar months spanning 29 or 30 days, the lunar year spans a total of 354 days, 11 days fewer than the solar year. It takes 33 years until this lunar year has cycled through a full Gregorian year and a given Islamic date again falls on the same Gregorian date.
May Allah allow us to enter this new year in faith and hope for better days for us and our families. For Palestine, Iran, our entire Ummah and all wronged people everywhere.
Presented by Samaa Elibyari
Comments are most welcome, samaa.elibyari@gmail.com