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Islamic CalendarISLAMIC CALENDAR The Islamic Calendar starts from the Hijra, which is when Prophet Muhammad pbuh migrated from Makkah to Madinah. This is why Islamic dates have the suffix AH (After Hijra). The Calendar is based on a lunar cycle and has twelve months. These months begin at sunset, when the new moon is sighted. The lunar year is approximately 354 days long. The names of Islamic months are as follows: 1. Muharram 2. Safar 3. Rabi ul Awwal 4. Rabi ul Akher 5. Jamadi ul Awwal 6. Jamadi ul Akher 7. Rajab 8. Sha'ban 9. Ramadhan 10. Shawwal 11. Zil Qa'da 12. Zil Hijja Islamic holidays
Al Hijra (1 Muharram): Islamic New Year marks the Hijra when Prophet Muhammad pbuh migrated from Makkah to Madinah. On this day Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, moving from a bad place or state of affairs to a good one, and regard it as a good time for "New Year Resolutions". Ashura (10 Muharram): A day of fasting ever since the days of the early Muslims. It marks significant events such as the day Prophet Musa (Moses) pbuh was saved from Pharaoh by God. Milad un Nabi (12 Rabi ul Awwal): Celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad pbuh. At this time Muslims think about the Prophet pbuh, his noble character and the events of his life. Muslim parents tell stories of the Prophet’s pbuh life to their children. Lailat ul Me’raaj (27 Rajab): In this night Prophet Muhammad pbuh ascended to Heaven and the revelation of Salat, the five daily prayers, was received. Some Muslims will spend the whole night in prayer and reflection. Lailat ul Bara'at (15 Sha’ban): The 15th night of Sha'ban is regarded as the Night of Forgiveness. Some Muslims will spend the whole night in prayer, reciting the Holy Qur’an and seeking God’s forgiveness. They may also keep a fast the following day. Ramadhan is the month of fasting. This means that Muslims abstain totally from food and drink from dawn until sunset. Fasting is a time when Muslims try to bring harmony and peace to themselves and those around them. It was during this month that the first chapters of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad pbuh. Although Ramadhan is not a holiday, work schedules may be disrupted or altered. Eid ul Fitr (1 Shawwal): This marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan and is a festival of great celebration. It is customary to visit relatives and friends, and to make the occasion special for children. It is also a day of charity and forgiveness. Eid ul Adha (10 Zil Hijja): This festival celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) pbuh to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) pbuh for the sake of God. It also marks the end of Hajj, annual pilgrimage to Makkah.
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Note: All dates are computed on the basis of ‘expected visibility’ of the new moon and are therefore subject to change depending on actual sighting. Many thanks to: Shakeel Hafez Child Protection & Review Unit 01924 482166 (Kirklees)
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