By Dr. Sabiu Adamu FPCPharm
Tuesday, 1st Muharram, 1448
The Hijri calendar is not merely a system of dates. In Islamic thought, especially within the school of Ahlul Bayt (as), it is a reminder that history is not measured by kings, wealth or military victories, but by faith, sacrifice and obedience to Allah.
The Islamic year begins with an event that changed the course of humanity: the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (S) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
For Muslims, the Hijrah was more than relocation. It marked the beginning of a society guided by revelation and prepared the ground for the continuation of divine leadership after Prophet Muhammad (S).
*The Historical Beginning of the Hijri Calendar*
Before Islam, Arabs already followed a lunar system. However, they sometimes manipulated the calendar through a practice known as Nasi’, shifting sacred months to suit political or economic interests. The Qur’an condemned this alteration because sacred time belongs to Allah alone.
Years after the migration, during the period of the expanding Muslim state, the need arose for a unified system to record dates for administration and correspondence. According to in historical tradition, consultation took place regarding what event should become the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
Different possibilities were considered. It was Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) who proposed that the calendar should begin from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (S). This proposal carried profound meaning.
The Hijrah represented the moment Islam moved from persecution to establishment. It marked the transition from hidden struggle to organised worship, justice and social order under divine guidance. The suggestion was accepted, and the Muslim calendar began from that turning point. Muharram was retained as the opening month of the year due to its recognised position among the sacred months. Thus began the Hijri era. Unlike solar calendars, the Hijri calendar remains fully lunar, consisting of twelve months and following the cycle of the moon as ordained by Allah.
*The Twelve Months Through the Lens of Spiritual Memory*
Each month carries lessons and memories for believers.
Muharram
The opening of the year and one of the sacred months. In Shia tradition, Muharram occupies a unique place because of the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (as), his family and companions in Karbala. The month teaches dignity, resistance against oppression and loyalty to truth.
Safar
A month remembered for continuation of the suffering of the household of Prophet Muhammad (S) after Karbala and their journey through hardship.
Rabi’ al-Awwal
Associated with the birth of Prophet Muhammad (S), the mercy sent to humanity.
Rabi’ al-Thani
A continuation of reflection upon the mission and teachings of Islam.
Jumada al-Ula
A month remembered in many communities for historical events connected to Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (as).
Jumada al-Akhirah
A period associated with remembrance of sacrifice, patience and devotion within Ahlul Bayt (as).
Rajab
One of the sacred months and a month of immense spiritual importance. It includes the birth anniversaries of several Imams (as) like Imam Ali (as), and is associated with preparation for deeper worship.
Sha’ban
The month connected to abundant devotion and anticipation of mercy. It includes the birth anniversary of Imam al-Mahdi (aj), the awaited Imam.
Ramadan
The month of fasting and revelation of the Qur’an. It is also the month in which Imam Ali (as) was struck and later attained martyrdom.
Shawwal
A month of gratitude and renewal after Ramadan.
Dhul Qa’dah
One of the sacred months and historically a period of restraint and peace.
Dhul Hijjah
The month of Hajj, sacrifice and profound historical events. For Muslims, it includes occasions such as Eid al-Ghadir, commemorating the declaration of leadership after Prophet Muhammad (S).
*Why the Hijri Calendar Matters*
1. It Connects Worship with Divine Order
Acts of worship in Islam are inseparable from sacred time. Fasting, Hajj, Eid celebrations, Zakat and remembrance all follow the lunar calendar established by Allah. Time itself becomes an act of obedience.
2. It Preserves the Legacy of Ahlul Bayt (as)
The Hijri calendar does not merely count months. It preserves memory. Muharram recalls Karbala. Ramadan recalls Imam Ali (as). Dhul Hijjah recalls Ghadir. Sha’ban recalls hope in Imam al-Mahdi (aj). Every year becomes a journey through the history of faith and divine guidance.
3. It Teaches That Sacrifice Builds Civilisation
The Hijrah teaches sacrifice. Karbala teaches sacrifice. Together they form two foundations of Islamic consciousness. One established the community. The other preserved its moral soul. The calendar therefore reminds believers that truth often demands patience, courage and steadfastness.
4. It Gives Muslims a Spiritual Understanding of Time
Modern life measures time by productivity and achievement. Islam measures time by closeness to Allah.
*The moon disappears and returns*
Months pass and return. Generations come and go. But divine truth remains. Allah says:
“They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: they are measurements of time for people and for Hajj.”
(Qur’an 2:189)
*The Hijri Calendar Today*
Today Muslims may use the Gregorian calendar for public life and administration, but the Hijri calendar remains the spiritual heartbeat of the Muslim community. For followers of Ahlul Bayt (as), it is more than a calendar. It is a map of remembrance. It allows believers each year to relive Hijrah, honour Karbala, celebrate Ghadir, await justice and renew commitment to Allah.
*Final Reflection*
The Hijri calendar began with movement. Not movement of armies, but movement of faith. Prophet Muhammad (S) left Makkah for Allah. Imam Husayn (as) gave everything for Allah. The Ahlul Bayt (as) carried that trust through history. Every new Hijri year quietly asks the same question: Where is our own Hijrah? What must we leave behind to move closer to Allah?
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