Islamic calendar

[ is-lam-ik kal-uhn-der, -lahmik, iz- ]

noun

1. the lunar calendar used by Muslims and reckoned from a.d. 622: the calendar year consists of 354 days and contains 12 months: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwa, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu ʾl-Qaʿda, and Dhu ʾl-Hijjah. In leap years the month Dhu ʾl-Hijjah contains one extra day.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Islamic calendar¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The Islamic calendar is a lunar system that adds up to only 354 days and shifts some 11 days from the Gregorian calendar each year—though a single leap day is sometimes added.

From National Geographic

Speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon, Lt Col Richard Hecht noted the start, in less than a month's time, of Ramadan - one of the most holy months in the Islamic calendar.

From BBC

But the Ahmeds’ decorating will come later, when they put up strings of moon and star lights to celebrate Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar.

From Los Angeles Times

The Islamic calendar is lunar and depends on the sighting of the moon - something Muslim religious authorities tend to disagree on.

From Washington Times

The Islamic calendar is lunar and depends on the sighting of the moon — something Muslim religious authorities tend to disagree on.

From Seattle Times