by Hessy Trishandiani
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, consists of 12 lunar months. Every Islamic month symbolizes a particular meaning. Let’s explore the meanings and origins of these Islamic months’ names!
Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him]. [At-Tawbah 9:36]
Muharram means ‘forbidden’ because all kinds of battles are forbidden during this month.
Safar literally means empty, the month when the pre-Islamic Arabs left their homes empty to fight their enemies, travel and attend to business.
Rabi literally means ‘spring’ while al-Awwal means ‘in time’. So it means ‘the first spring’.
Also known as Rabi al-thani, it means the last spring. The month begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted.
Jumda’ symbolizes dry months. Some say it was because of the summer heat, while others say it was because of the winter cold.
Literally means ‘the last time of parched land’. It marks the end of that time when the lands becomes parched or dry.
Derived from the word ‘Rajaba’, which means respect or honor. This month, pre-Islamic Arabs gave up any fight.
The time when the pagan Arabs were in search of water and grass.
Ramadan means ‘heat’ or ‘burning’ due to high temperatures caused by excessive heat from the sun in this month.
This month means ‘master of truce’. The pre-Islamic Arabs ceased fights in this month.
Literally means ‘the month of pilgrimage’, the time when Muslims from all over the world perform pligrimage to Mecca.
