Today's Hijri Date
Hijri Date Today
8 Shawwal 1446
Islamic CalendarGregorian Date
April 5, 2025
Western CalendarHijri & Gregorian Calendar
The Hijri calendar (التقويم الهجري) is the Islamic lunar calendar that begins with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. Today's date, 8 Shawwal 1446, marks the current position in the Islamic year. Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and follows the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslims worldwide use the Hijri calendar to determine important religious events and observances, including the start of Ramadan, the two Eid celebrations, and the Hajj pilgrimage. As a lunar calendar, the Hijri year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian year, causing Islamic dates to cycle through the seasons over time.
Understanding the Hijri Calendar
The Hijri calendar consists of 12 lunar months and was officially established during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) around 638 CE (16 AH). Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal), traditionally observed with the naked eye, though many countries now use astronomical calculations.
Hijri to Gregorian Conversion
Converting between Hijri and Gregorian dates requires understanding that the Hijri year is about 354 or 355 days, while the Gregorian year is 365 or 366 days. This difference of approximately 11 days means that Hijri dates shift earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year. A simple approximation formula is:
Gregorian year ≈ Hijri year × 0.97 + 622
However, for precise conversions, specialized calendars like the one above should be used, as they account for the lunar cycle variations and different new moon sighting criteria.
The 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar
Muharram محرم
The first month of the Islamic year and one of the four sacred months. The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) commemorates many significant events.
Safar صفر
The second month, historically associated with journeys and expeditions. Its name may derive from "emptiness" as houses were often left empty during travels.
Rabi al-Awwal ربيع الأول
The third month, meaning "first spring." Notable for the birth, migration, and passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Rabi al-Thani ربيع الثاني
The fourth month, meaning "second spring," continuing the seasonal naming from pre-Islamic times.
Jumada al-Awwal جمادى الأولى
The fifth month, meaning "first freezing," historically corresponding to winter in the Arabian Peninsula.
Jumada al-Thani جمادى الثانية
The sixth month, meaning "second freezing," continuing the winter season designation.
Rajab رجب
The seventh month and one of the four sacred months. Known as "the month of Allah" with special merits for worship.
Shaban شعبان
The eighth month, preceding Ramadan. A time when many Muslims increase voluntary fasting in preparation for Ramadan.
Ramadan رمضان
The ninth and most venerated month when Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset. The Quran was first revealed in this month.
Shawwal شوال
The tenth month, beginning with Eid al-Fitr. Many Muslims observe six days of voluntary fasting during this month.
Dhul-Qadah ذو القعدة
The eleventh month and one of the four sacred months. Historically, Arabs would refrain from warfare during this time.
Dhul-Hijjah ذو الحجة
The twelfth month and final sacred month, during which the Hajj pilgrimage takes place. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hijri Calendar
The Hijri calendar is lunar-based, with 12 months of 29 or 30 days each, totaling approximately 354 days per year. The Gregorian calendar is solar-based with 365 or 366 days per year. This difference of around 11 days means Islamic dates move earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year, and a complete cycle takes about 33 years.
Muslims use the Hijri calendar to determine the correct times for religious observances and holidays including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Hajj pilgrimage. It connects Muslims to Islamic history, beginning with the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) migration from Makkah to Madinah, a pivotal event in Islamic history.
Traditional Islamic calendar determination relies on actual moon sighting, which can vary by location and visibility conditions. This can lead to different countries starting months on different days. Many countries now use astronomical calculations to predict moon sightings more consistently. Both methods are considered valid by different Islamic scholars and authorities.
The four sacred months in Islam are Muharram (1st month), Rajab (7th month), Dhul-Qadah (11th month), and Dhul-Hijjah (12th month). Fighting was traditionally forbidden during these months, and they hold special spiritual significance. Good deeds are more rewarded and sins more serious during these months.
Today's Hijri date can be found using the calendar at the top of this page, which shows the current Islamic date alongside its Gregorian equivalent. Many smartphones also have built-in Hijri calendar options, or you can use specialized Islamic calendar apps. Mosques and Islamic centers often display the current Hijri date as well.