It has been 1404 years since Hijri i.e. Islamic calendar started.
Hijri Samvat is the main religious calendar of the Islamic world. It is also called Islamic or lunar calendar. Its beginning is related to the journey of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Sahib from Mecca to Medina. This journey is called Hijrat. Hijrat means leaving one place and going to another place. This journey was not just an incident of change of place. This changed the direction of the history of Islam. For this reason, this incident was later made the basis for counting Islamic dates.
Come, let us understand what is the whole story of Hijri calendar? Why is this so important for Islam? What was called Hijrat? What are the names of 12 months in Hijri calendar and much more.
What was Hijrat?
Mecca was a major religious and trading center of Arabia in the seventh century. Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Sahib gave the message of one God, justice, mercy and equality in Mecca. Many people accepted this message, but some influential people stood against it. Pressure on Muslims started increasing. He was harassed. An attempt was made to boycott them socially and economically. In such a situation, there was a need for a safe place for the Prophet and his followers. The people of Medina invited him to come there. Then Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Sahib left Mecca for Medina. This incident happened in 622 AD. This journey was called Hijrat.
Mecca was a major religious and trading center of Arabia in the seventh century. photo: pexels
Why was the journey from Mecca to Medina important?
After Hijrat, Muslims got the opportunity to create a secure society in Medina. Along with religious life, social system also developed there. Emphasis was laid on the rights of people, mutual responsibilities and principles of peace. Agreements were reached between different communities in Medina. Islamic society became organized, hence Hijrat is considered the beginning of a new phase in the history of Islam. This was not just a religious event. It also had social and political importance. Hijrat showed the way to move from struggle to organization.
When did Hijri calendar start?
The basis of Hijri period calculation is Hijrat of 622 AD. It is said that it started on 16th July. In this way, it has been 1404 years since the Hijri calendar started. However, the new calendar was not implemented immediately at that time. During the reign of the second Caliph Hazrat Umar Farooq, the need to organize Islamic dates was felt. Then it was implemented smoothly. There used to be confusion regarding writing dates in government letters, agreements and administrative documents. Only one month and day were mentioned, but the year was not clearly mentioned. This created problems in record keeping. To overcome this problem, it was decided to start a fixed era. Many important events were discussed. Ultimately Hijrat was chosen as the basis of the Islamic year. In this way the Hijri Samvat formally started.
Ramadan is the ninth month of Hijri calendar. photo: pexels
How are Hijri years counted?
Hijri calendar is based on the movement of the moon. This is called lunar year. Every new month starts after the sighting of the new moon. For this reason, many Islamic festivals are decided upon the sighting of the moon. There are twelve months in the Hijri year. A month is generally 29 or 30 days. In this way a Hijri year is approximately 354 or 355 days. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is based on the Sun. In that a year is of 365 or 366 days, hence the Hijri year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the English year.
12 months of Hijri calendar
The 12 months of the Hijri year are Muharram, Safar, Rabiul Awal, Rabiussani, Jamadiul Awal, Jamadiussani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Zilqada and Zilhijja respectively. Many of these months have special significance from religious point of view. Ramadan is the month of fasting. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in Shawwal. Hajj is performed in Dhul-Hijja and Eid-ul-Azha falls.
The Islamic calendar starts from Muharram. photo: pexels
Why does the year begin with Muharram?
The first month of Hijri Samvat is Muharram. However, Hijrat took place in the month of Rabiul Awal. Still, the beginning of the year was fixed as Muharram. There was a practical thinking behind this. Muharram was already considered an important month in Arab society. It was included in those months in which there was a tradition of avoiding fights. Also, after Hajj, people used to return to their homes and new social and business activities started. Therefore Muharram was considered the first month of Hijri year. In Islamic tradition, four months Zilqada, Zilhijja, Muharram and Rajab have special respect. These months are considered sacred. Even in the old Arab society, there was a tradition of stopping war during these days. Islam further strengthened the spirit of peace, restraint and respect. Muharram also has special religious significance. The 10th of this month is called Ashura. This day is associated with many important events in Islamic history.
What is the importance of Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of Hijri calendar. It is one of the holiest months for Muslims. Fasts are observed in this month. Roza is not just about staying hungry and thirsty. Its objective is to inculcate self-control, patience and compassion towards the needy. During Ramadan, special attention is given to worship, charity and social cooperation. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated when the moon is seen at the end of the month. Since the Hijri year is short, Ramadan occurs about 10 to 11 days earlier in the English calendar every year. For this reason, sometimes it comes in summer, sometimes in winter.
What is the relationship between Hajj and Zilhijja?
Zilhijja is the last month of Hijri year. In this month Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca for Hajj. Hajj is included in the major religious duties of Islam. Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zillahijja. It is also called Eid of Sacrifice. It gives the message of sacrifice, dedication and spirit of service.
Fasting, Hajj, some calculations of Zakat, Eid, Muharram and other occasions are related to this calendar.
What is the significance of seeing the moon?
The beginning of Hijri months is associated with the sighting of the moon. For this reason, the dates of Ramadan, Eid and other religious occasions may sometimes be different in different countries. Today the position of the Moon can be estimated through astronomical calculations. Nevertheless, the tradition of seeing the moon continues locally in many places. This tradition is an important part of the religious and cultural identity of the Hijri calendar.
Why is Hijri calendar important even today?
Hijri calendar is still the basis of religious life of Muslims. Fasting, Hajj, some calculations of Zakat, Eid, Muharram and other occasions are related to this calendar. Hijri dates are also used in government work in many Muslim countries. In many countries including India, Hijri date is written in religious programs and Islamic documents. This calendar is not just a list of dates. It is a memory of history, faith and community.
In short, the story of Hijri Samvat starts with the migration from Mecca to Medina. This journey is a symbol of courage, patience and new beginnings. Later this incident was made the basis for counting the Islamic year. This calendar based on the moon connects Muslims around the world with religious occasions. Hijri Samvat reminds us that time is not just days and years. Time is also a story of history, struggle, faith and change.
Also read: Why are the rules of renovation in a property like Mannat different from other houses?
