The Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar used to mark Muslim months and holidays.

What It Means

The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so its months begin with a new crescent moon. It has twelve months, but the year is shorter than the solar year.

How People Practice or Remember It

Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Hajj are marked using this calendar. Because it is lunar, Islamic holidays move through the seasons over time.

Things to Remember

• The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so its months begin with a new crescent moon.
• It has twelve months, but the year is shorter than the solar year.
• Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Hajj are marked using this calendar.
• Because it is lunar, Islamic holidays move through the seasons over time.

Did You Know?

People learn about Islamic calendar in different ways, including family traditions, teachers, books, art, music, and visits to important places.