The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year of 354 days. The number of days each month is adjusted according to the lunar cycle.
The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year of 354 days. The number of days each month is adjusted according to the lunar cycle, beginning about two days after the new moon. The months drift backward over the seasons, beginning again on the same day every 32-1/2 years. The Islamic year begins on the first day of Muharram, and is counted from the year of the Hegira (anno Hegirae) the year in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina (A.D. 622). The year 2002 translates to A.H. 1422 1423.
| Months | Number of days |
|---|---|
| Muharram | 29 or 30 |
| Safar | 29 or 30 |
| Rabi I | 29 or 30 |
| Rabi II | 29 or 30 |
| Jumada I | 29 or 30 |
| Jumada II | 29 or 30 |
| Rajab | 29 or 30 |
| Sha'ban | 29 or 30 |
| Ramadan | 29 or 30 |
| Shawwal | 29 or 30 |
| Dhu'l-Qa'dah | 29 or 30 |
| Dhu'l-Hijjah | 29 or 30 |
