The 12 Islamic Months
A month-by-month look at the Hijri calendar — meanings, sacred status, and the observances that mark each.
The Islamic year is built around 12 lunar months totalling roughly 354 days. Four of these — Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa'dah and Dhul-Hijjah — are considered sacred months (al-Ashhur al-Hurum), in which fighting and bloodshed are forbidden, as stated in the Qur'an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36).
1. Muharram
The first month of the Hijri year and one of the four sacred months. The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) commemorates the day Prophet Musa and the Bani Isra'il were saved from Pharaoh — many Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th, following the Sunnah.
2. Safar
Historically the month when Arab tribes emptied their homes to travel and trade. There is no scriptural basis for considering Safar inauspicious — the Prophet ﷺ explicitly rejected such superstition.
3. Rabi' al-Awwal
The month of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ birth and his passing. The 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal — Maulidur Rasul — is observed in Singapore with talks, congregational prayers, and reflection on the Prophet's biography (Sirah).
4. Rabi' al-Thani
Also called Rabi' al-Akhir, the 'second spring' month. No major obligatory observance falls in this month.
5. Jumada al-Awwal
Named for the freezing of water during pre-Islamic Arabian winters. A quiet month liturgically.
6. Jumada al-Thani
The second Jumada, also called Jumada al-Akhirah. Marks the midpoint of the Hijri year.
7. Rajab
One of the four sacred months in which fighting is prohibited. The night of the 27th is widely commemorated as Isra' Mi'raj — the Prophet's miraculous night journey and ascension, during which the five daily prayers were prescribed.
8. Sha'ban
The month of preparation before Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ fasted more in Sha'ban than in any other month except Ramadan. The 15th night (Nisfu Sha'ban) is observed in Singapore with extra prayers and du'a.
9. Ramadan
The month of obligatory fasting and the revelation of the Qur'an. Fasting from dawn to sunset, increased night prayers (terawih), and the search for Lailatul Qadar in the last ten nights define the month. See our full Ramadan guide.
10. Syawal
Opens with Hari Raya Aidilfitri on 1 Syawal — the celebration of completing Ramadan. The six voluntary fasts of Syawal carry the reward of fasting an entire year when combined with Ramadan.
11. Dhul-Qa'dah
A sacred month of rest, traditionally a time when Arabs ceased fighting in preparation for Hajj. One of the four months in which warfare is forbidden in Islam.
12. Dhul-Hijjah
The month of Hajj. The first ten days are among the most blessed days of the year. The 9th is the Day of Arafah — fasting on it expiates sins of the past and coming year for non-pilgrims. The 10th is Hari Raya Aidiladha. Tashreeq days (11–13) follow.