The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar
Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff 
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year of about 354 days. The number of days each month is adjusted according to the lunar cycle, beginning about two days after the new moon. The months drift backward over the seasons, returning to their starting points after about 33 lunar years. The Islamic year begins on the first day of Muharram, and is counted from the year of the Hegira (anno Hegirae)âthe year in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina (A.D. 622). The year 2015 translates to A.H. 1436–1437. The year 2016 translates to A.H. 1437–1438.
| Month | Number of days |
|---|---|
| Muharram | 29 or 30 |
| Safar | 29 or 30 |
| Rabi I | 29 or 30 |
| Rabi II | 29 or 30 |
| Jumada I | 29 or 30 |
| Jumada II | 29 or 30 |
| Rajab | 29 or 30 |
| Sha'ban | 29 or 30 |
| Ramadan | 29 or 30 |
| Shawwal | 29 or 30 |
| Dhu'l-Qa'dah | 29 or 30 |
| Dhu'l-Hijjah | 29 or 30 |
