The Islamic Calendar, which is based purely on lunar cycles, was first introduced in 638 C.E. by the close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) and the second Caliph, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (592-644 C.E.) R.A

The Hijrah, which chronicles the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in September 622 C.E., is the central historical event of early Islam. It led to the foundation of the first Muslim city-state, a turning point in Islamic as well as world history.

To Muslims, the Hijri calendar is not just a sentimental system of time reckoning and dating important religious events, e.g., Siyaam (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage), but it has a much deeper religious and historical significance.

The Islamic (Hijri) year consists of twelve (lunar) months: (1) Muharram; (2) Safar; (3) Rabi' al-awwal; (4) Rabi' al-akhir; (5) Jumaada al-ulaa; (6) Jumaada al-tsany; (7) Rajab; (8) Sha'baan; (9) Ramadhan; (10) Syawwal; (11) Zul-Qa'dah; and (12) Zul-Hijjah.

Source : Alhabib Postcard Center

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