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The Arabic calendar consists of the month scale of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar and the Gregorian calendar that applies to the Arabic-speaking community. This understanding is key to being able to relate with people well and practice wherever the person gets from the place they are coming from. We are headed to the concepts in both the calendars given below with more light on their meanings and uses being the next focus.
Islamic Months Name in Arabic
The Islamic Hijri calendar which is an Islamic calendar having a lunar component of 12 months. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. From that all the dates of the significant religious events natural like Ramadan and Hajj are calculated. Here are the Islamic months’ names in Arabic along with their transliterations: Here are the Islamic months’ names in Arabic along with their transliterations:
- Muharram (مُحَرَّم): The first month, meaning “forbidden,” as fighting is prohibited.
- Safar (صَفَر): The second month, meaning “void,” as homes were often empty during this time.
- Rabi’ al-Awwal (رَبِيعُ الأَوَّلِ): The third month, meaning “the first spring.”
- Rabi’ al-Thani (رَبِيعُ الثَّانِي): The fourth month, meaning “the second spring.”
- Jumada al-Awwal (جُمَادَىٰ الأُولَىٰ): The fifth month, marking the dry period.
- Jumada al-Thani (جُمَادَىٰ الآخِرَة): The sixth month, marking the end of the dry period.
- Rajab (رَجَب): The seventh month, a sacred month when fighting is prohibited.
- Sha’ban (شَعْبَان): The eighth month, leading into Ramadan.
- Ramadan (رَمَضَان): The ninth and holiest month, known for fasting.
- Shawwal (شَوَّال): The tenth month, marking the end of Ramadan.
- Dhu al-Qi’dah (ذُو القَعْدَة): The eleventh month, another sacred month.
- Dhu al-Hijjah (ذُو الحِجَّة): The twelfth month, during which Hajj takes place.
Also Read: Months Name
Arabic months names in English
In many Arab countries, the Gregorian calendar is used concurrently with the Hijri calendar. Here are the Arabic months’ names in English and their Arabic counterparts:
- January (يَنايِر): Yanāyir
- February (فِبْرايِر): Fibrāyir
- March (مارِس): Māris
- April (أبْريل): Abreel
- May (مايو): Māyu
- June (يُونِيُو): Yūniyū
- July (يُولِيُو): Yūliyū
- August (أغُسْطُس): Aghustus
- September (سِبْتَمْبِر): Sibtambir
- October (أُكْتوبِر): Uktūbir
- November (نُوفَمْبِر): Nūfambir
- December (دِيسَمْبِر): Dīsambir
Arabic Month Names in Order
The Arabic months’ names in order for both the Hijri and Gregorian calendars are vital for proper scheduling and religious observances. Here is a comprehensive Arabic months name list in order:
Hijri Calendar
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi’ al-Awwal
- Rabi’ al-Thani
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani
- Rajab
- Sha’ban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhu al-Qi’dah
- Dhu al-Hijjah
Gregorian Calendar
- Yanāyir (January)
- Fibrāyir (February)
- Māris (March)
- Abreel (April)
- Māyu (May)
- Yūniyū (June)
- Yūliyū (July)
- Aghustus (August)
- Sibtambir (September)
- Uktūbir (October)
- Nūfambir (November)
- Dīsambir (December)
Arabic Months: The Hijri and Gregorian Calendars
The Arabic months names hold deep cultural significance, playing a key role in Islamic calendar Arabic months as well as the Gregorian Calendar. The Hijri Calendar, also known as the Islamic Calendar, follows a lunar calendar system, with months based on the sighting of the new moon. Meanwhile, the Gregorian Calendar is widely used for civic and administrative purposes in Arabic-speaking regions. Understanding both calendars is crucial for religious observances, timekeeping, and aligning with Islamic holidays such as Ramadan (رَمَضَان) and Hajj Pilgrimage.
Below, we explore Arabic month names, their historical context, month meanings, and their integration into modern-day social practices.
Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar) – Arabic Month Names and Their Meanings
The Hijri Calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months. It is widely used by Muslims for religious observances such as Eid al-Adha, Day of Arafah, and the Islamic New Year. Each month has a specific historical significance and is rooted in pre-Islamic traditions.
Arabic Month Names with Historical & Cultural Significance
| Month | Arabic Name | Meaning & Cultural Significance |
| Muharram | مُحَرَّم | “Forbidden” – One of the sacred months in which fighting was prohibited. The Islamic New Year starts in this month. |
| Safar | صَفَر | “Void” – Historically, homes were left empty as people traveled for trade or war. |
| Rabi’ al-Awwal | رَبِيعُ الأَوَّلِ | “First Spring” – The birth month of Prophet Muhammad and a time for religious education. |
| Rabi’ al-Thani | رَبِيعُ الثَّانِي | “Second Spring” – Historically associated with seasonal changes and early agriculture. |
| Jumada al-Awwal | جُمَادَىٰ الأُولَىٰ | “First Dry Month” – A seasonal reference to winter dryness. |
| Jumada al-Thani | جُمَادَىٰ الآخِرَة | “Second Dry Month” – A continuation of the cold season. |
| Rajab | رَجَب | “Respect” – Another sacred month, where fighting was traditionally forbidden. |
| Sha’ban | شَعْبَان | “Scattered” – A time when Arab tribes dispersed for trade and travel before Fasting Month. |
| Ramadan | رَمَضَان | “Burning Heat” – The holiest month, known for fasting, charity, and community gatherings. |
| Shawwal | شَوَّال | “Raised” – Marking the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid celebrations. |
| Dhu al-Qi’dah | ذُو القَعْدَة | “Month of Rest” – A sacred month when fighting was prohibited. |
| Dhu al-Hijjah | ذُو الحِجَّة | “Month of Hajj” – The time for Hajj Pilgrimage, including Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha. |
Gregorian vs Hijri Arabic Months
In many Arab countries, both the Islamic Calendar Arabic months and Gregorian Calendar are used simultaneously. The Gregorian Calendar is based on the solar calendar, whereas the Hijri Calendar follows the lunar system, leading to month length variations.
Arabic Months in the Gregorian Calendar
| Gregorian Month | Arabic Name (Transliteration) |
| January | يَنايِر (Yanāyir) |
| February | فِبْرايِر (Fibrāyir) |
| March | مارِس (Māris) |
| April | أبْريل (Abreel) |
| May | مايو (Māyu) |
| June | يُونِيُو (Yūniyū) |
| July | يُولِيُو (Yūliyū) |
| August | أغُسْطُس (Aghustus) |
| September | سِبْتَمْبِر (Sibtambir) |
| October | أُكْتوبِر (Uktūbir) |
| November | نُوفَمْبِر (Nūfambir) |
| December | دِيسَمْبِر (Dīsambir) |
Key Differences Between the Calendars
- The Hijri Calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian Calendar, causing Islamic months to shift each year.
- Islamic festivals like Ramadan (رَمَضَان) and Eid al-Adha occur at different Gregorian dates annually.
- Solar vs Lunar Calendars: The Gregorian system follows the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, while the Hijri system follows the Moon’s cycles.
Hijri vs Gregorian Calendar Difference
| Aspect | Hijri Calendar | Gregorian Calendar |
| Calendar Type | Lunar Calendar | Solar Calendar |
| Total Days | 354-355 days | 365-366 days |
| Month Length Variations | Based on moon sighting | Fixed |
| Main Use | Religious & Islamic holidays | Civil & official use |
| Key Events | Hajj Pilgrimage, Eid al-Adha, Ramadan | New Year, National Holidays, Fixed Dates |
| Cultural Heritage | Rooted in Islamic rituals and practices | Standardized globally |
Arabic Month Names in Cultural and Religious Practices
Cultural and Historical Significance
- The Arabic months names hold historical origins from pre-Islamic traditions, tribal customs, and agricultural seasons.
- Many months have been adapted into regional Arabic months variations, especially in North Africa and the Levant.
- The Hijri months are essential in Islamic jurisprudence, determining major religious observances and Islamic festivals.
Educational and Linguistic Importance
- Learning the Arabic months pronunciation is crucial for Arabic language learning and understanding Islamic rituals and practices.
- Many resources, including Arabic months educational videos, help non-native speakers master the correct pronunciation and significance of these months.
Conclusion
Understanding both the Hijri Calendar and Gregorian Calendar is essential for cultural integration, religious awareness, and community gatherings. From the sacred months like Muharram (مُحَرَّم) to the Fasting Month of Ramadan (رَمَضَان), each month plays a significant role in the Global Muslim Community. Whether you’re looking to learn Arabic months, explore their historical origins, or understand their cultural significance, mastering these calendars deepens one’s connection to Islamic traditions and social practices.
Arabic Month Names FAQs
What are the 12 months in Arabic?
The 12 months in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar are Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Why are there 12 months in the Islamic calendar?
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months to align with the phases of the moon, making up a lunar year of approximately 354 or 355 days.
What is the first Arabic month called?
The first month in the Islamic calendar is called Muharram.
How many months is Islam?
Islam follows a lunar calendar that consists of 12 months.
Do Islamic months have 31 days?
No, Islamic months do not have 31 days. They have either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
How many months in Islamic calendar?
The Islamic calendar has 12 months.
How many days in Islamic calendar?
The Islamic calendar has approximately 354 or 355 days in a year, which is about 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
