Most Muslims can name Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, but how many of us – or our children – can list all twelve Islamic months and know what their names mean? The names of the months were in use among the Arabs before Islam, and many of them describe the seasons or the customs of the time when they were named. Here is a simple guide.
1. Muharram – "Sacred / Forbidden"
The first month of the Islamic year and one of the four sacred months, in which fighting was forbidden. The 10th of Muharram is 'Ashura, a recommended day of fasting.
2. Safar – "Empty"
Commonly explained as coming from the idea of homes being empty as people travelled or went out after the sacred month. There is no bad luck in Safar – the Prophet ﷺ rejected superstitions about it.
3. Rabi' al-Awwal – "The First Spring"
The month in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born and in which he arrived in Madinah after the Hijrah.
4. Rabi' al-Thani – "The Second Spring"
Also called Rabi' al-Akhir. We are now at the end of this month in 1448 AH.
5. Jumada al-Awwal – "The First Dry Month"
"Jumada" is linked to dryness or freezing – a time when the land was dry. The Battle of Mu'tah took place in Jumada al-Awwal, 8 AH.
6. Jumada al-Thani – "The Second Dry Month"
Also called Jumada al-Akhirah.
7. Rajab – "Respect / Honour"
A sacred month. Its name relates to honouring and respecting, as the Arabs held it in great regard.
8. Sha'ban – "Spreading Out"
Said to be named because tribes spread out in search of water. The Prophet ﷺ used to fast a great deal in Sha'ban, preparing for Ramadan.
9. Ramadan – "Scorching Heat"
The month of fasting and the month in which the Quran was revealed (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185).
10. Shawwal – "Lifting / Raising"
The month of Eid al-Fitr. Fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan carries great reward (Sahih Muslim, 1164).
11. Dhul-Qa'dah – "The Month of Sitting / Resting"
A sacred month in which the Arabs refrained from fighting and stayed home.
12. Dhul-Hijjah – "The Month of Pilgrimage"
The month of Hajj, the Day of 'Arafah and Eid al-Adha. Its first ten days are among the best days of the year.
A Fun Way to Teach Kids the Months
- Learn them in order like a song – three months a week.
- Make 12 cards with the month name on one side and one fact on the other.
- Each time a new Islamic month starts, ask your child: "Which month is this, and what happened in it?"
Grow in Knowledge Together
Our Islamic Studies classes at Tehfiz-ul-Quran Academy teach children the Islamic calendar, Seerah, duas and manners alongside Quran reading – one-on-one and online. Start your 3-day free trial.