Islamic Date Today – Hijri Calendar 1448

The 12 Months of the Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar follows the moon, which means each month lasts 29 or 30 days depending on when the new crescent is sighted. Over the course of the year, that adds up to around 354 days — about 11 days fewer than the solar calendar.

Four of these twelve months are named in the Quran as sacred (Al-Ashhur Al-Hurum): Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Muharram. During these months, Muslims are especially encouraged to avoid conflict, maintain peace, and focus on good deeds.

Why Does the Islamic Date Differ from Country to Country?

If you have friends or family living abroad, you've probably noticed that their Ramadan, Eid, or 1st of the month doesn't always match yours. That isn't a mistake — it comes down to how different countries verify the new crescent moon:

When Does the Islamic Day Actually Begin? (The Sunset Rule)

Most of us are used to the calendar flipping at midnight (12:00 AM). But in the Islamic calendar, a new day officially starts at sunset (Maghrib prayer).

This is why the blessed night of Jum'ah (Friday) begins as soon as the sun goes down on Thursday evening. It's also why we pray Taraweeh the night before our first fast — once the crescent moon is sighted at sunset, Ramadan has officially started.