Skip to content
Falah
Islamic guidesApp Store
Falah/Understand the Islamic calendar

Hijri date guide

Understand the Islamic calendar

The Hijri calendar follows lunar months. Calculated dates help with planning, while local moon-sighting announcements may determine observance in your community.

Updated 30 August 2026 · Reviewed for worldwide use

Get Falah on the App StoreRead the guide

On this page

How the Hijri calendar works Important dates Muslims look for Why the Hijri date can differ by country Hijri dates in FalahQuestionsRelated guides

How the Hijri calendar works

The Islamic calendar has twelve lunar months and is shorter than the Gregorian solar year. As a result, Ramadan, Hajj, and other dates move earlier through the seasons over time.

Calendars can estimate month boundaries astronomically, but communities may follow local, national, or international moon-sighting decisions.

Important dates Muslims look for

  • 1 Muharram and the beginning of a new Hijri year
  • Ashura in Muharram
  • Ramadan, its final nights, and Eid al-Fitr
  • The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Arafah, and Eid al-Adha
  • Local religious events and community programmes

Observance details and dates can vary. Confirm with a recognised local authority.

Why the Hijri date can differ by country

A calculated calendar may begin a month on one date while a local authority announces it on another. Time zones, sighting criteria, weather, and whether a community follows local or overseas sightings all contribute.

Planning versus observance

Use calculated dates to plan ahead, then follow the announcement relevant to your community for worship and public observance.

Hijri dates in Falah

Falah brings the Hijri calendar into the same daily space as prayer times, Quran, Qibla, duas, adhkar, widgets, and learning. See the dedicated Ramadan 2027 guide for projected dates and city timetables.

Common questions

Why does my Hijri date differ from my local mosque?

The app may use a calculated calendar while your mosque follows a particular moon-sighting authority. Follow the recognised announcement relevant to your community.

Does the Islamic calendar move each year?

Yes. The lunar Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year, so Islamic months move through the seasons.

Are projected Ramadan dates final?

No. Projected dates help with planning, but the start and end may depend on the moon-sighting decision followed in your location.

Explore more with Falah

Prayer timesOpen guide Qibla directionOpen guide QuranOpen guide DuasOpen guide AdhkarOpen guide Islamic learningOpen guide

Carry these essentials with you. Falah brings prayer times, Quran, Qibla, duas, adhkar, widgets, and learning together on iPhone.

Download Falah
Falah
Prayer timesQiblaQuranDuasFAQPrivacySupport

© 2026 Mykoala Pty Ltd