🏮 Ramadan and the Islamic year · Step 8 of 10
The twelve Islamic months
The Islamic year follows the moon. Learn the twelve months, the four sacred months and the day of Ashura.
A year by the moon
Each Islamic month starts when the new crescent moon is seen, so a month has 29 or 30 days and the year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year. That is why Ramadan comes about 11 days earlier every year.
The months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al-Akhir, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah and Dhul Hijjah.
Four sacred months
Allah says the number of months is twelve, and four of them are sacred. They are Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
Fasting the day of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram): “I hope from Allah that it expiates the year before it.”
The Prophet ﷺ also intended to fast the 9th with it.
✅ Check yourself
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Why does Ramadan come earlier each year?
Show the answer
Because the Islamic year follows the moon and is about 11 days shorter.
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Name the four sacred months.
Show the answer
Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.