التاريخ الهجري اليوم (The Islamic Date Today)

Understanding the Hijri calendar and knowing the Islamic date today is important for Muslims worldwide. The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic or Lunar calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar, the solar calendar commonly used internationally.

The Hijri calendar began in 622 CE (Common Era) with the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers from Mecca to Medina. This pivotal event marked a new era for the nascent Muslim community and became the starting point for the Islamic calendar. Therefore, years in the Hijri calendar are designated AH (Anno Hegirae), meaning “in the year of the Hijra.”

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun, the Hijri calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Since the lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year, Islamic holidays and events shift throughout the Gregorian calendar year. This means that Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other significant Islamic dates occur at different times each year in the Gregorian calendar.

The months of the Hijri calendar are Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani (or Rabi’ al-Akhir), Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani (or Jumada al-Akhirah), Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. Certain months hold special significance. Muharram, for instance, is the first month of the Islamic year and is considered a sacred month. Ramadan is the month of fasting, a pillar of Islam, during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn till dusk. Dhu al-Hijjah is the month of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, another pillar of Islam, and the month of Eid al-Adha.

Knowing the Hijri date is crucial for observing Islamic religious obligations. Determining the beginning and end of Ramadan, as well as the dates for Eid celebrations, relies on accurate tracking of the lunar calendar. Many Muslims also use the Hijri calendar for personal matters, such as calculating zakat (obligatory charity) and determining the dates of Islamic events and anniversaries.

Calculating the Hijri date can be done using various online converters or specialized Islamic calendar apps. Historically, the sighting of the new crescent moon determined the start of a new month, and this practice continues in many Muslim communities. However, astronomical calculations are increasingly used to predict the beginning of lunar months, providing a more precise and consistent method for determining the Hijri date.

In conclusion, the Hijri calendar is a vital part of Islamic culture and practice. Understanding its principles and knowing the Islamic date today is essential for Muslims to observe their religious duties and connect with their heritage. As the lunar calendar continues to influence Muslim life around the world, its significance remains steadfast.