The Islamic Calendar is a lunar calendar. The beginning of each month is determined by sighting of the new moon. Sighting of the new moon takes place on the 29th day of the month. Each month is either 29 or 30 days. If the new moon is not sighted, then the month lasts for 30 days. If the new moon is sighted, then the month lasts for 29 days.

Islamic years are called Hijra years because the first year was the year during which the Hijra occurred — Hijra was the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) emigration from Mecca to Medina. Thus each numbered year is designated H. For example: 1428H.

1 - Muharram

2 - Safar

3 - Rabi' al-awwal

4 - Rabi' al-thani  

5 - Jumada al-awwal

6 - Jumada al-thani

7 - Rajab

8 - Sha'aban

9 - Ramadhan

10 - Shawwaal

11 - Dhu al-Qi'dah

12 - Dhu al-hijjah

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