Key Dates

• Isra and Miraj: January 16, 2026 (27 Rajab 1447)

• Nisf Shaban (Laylat al-Baraah): February 3, 2026 (15 Shaban 1447)

• Ramadan Begins: February 18, 2026 (1 Ramadan 1447)

• Laylat al-Qadr: March 15, 2026 (27 Ramadan 1447)

• Eid al-Fitr: March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447)

• Hajj Season: May 25–May 30, 2026 (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447)

• Day of Arafah: May 26, 2026 (9 Dhul Hijjah 1447)

• Eid al-Adha: May 27, 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447)

• Islamic New Year: June 16, 2026 (1 Muharram 1448)

• Day of Ashura: June 25, 2026 (10 Muharram 1448)

• Mawlid al-Nabi: August 25, 2026 (12 Rabi al-Awwal 1448)

The Islamic Calendar 2026, also known as the Hijri Calendar 1447–1448, is based on the lunar cycle. Each month begins and ends with the sighting of the new moon, creating a rhythm that guides Muslim life across the globe. Unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar shifts nearly ten to eleven days earlier each year. This natural shift connects worshippers to the celestial movements created by Allah, reminding them of the beauty of divine time.

Understanding this calendar is essential for planning the most spiritual moments of the year. Every festival, fast, and act of devotion is tied to the moon.

What Is the Islamic or Hijri Calendar

The Hijri calendar began with one of the most significant events in Islamic history, the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab later established this migration as the starting point of the Islamic era.

This calendar has twelve months, each lasting either twenty-nine or thirty days depending on the moon’s sighting. Muslims use it to determine the timing of fasting, prayer nights, Hajj, and other key acts of worship.

The Islamic months are:

1. Muharram

2. Safar

3. Rabi al-Awwal

4. Rabi al-Thani

5. Jumada al-Awwal

6. Jumada al-Thani

7. Rajab

8. Shaban

9. Ramadan

10. Shawwal

11. Dhul Qadah

12. Dhul Hijjah

Significance of Each Islamic Month

• Muharram (Known as the Month of Allah, it is one of the four sacred months. Acts of worship, fasting, and remembrance of Allah earn multiplied rewards during this time)

• Safar (A month of reflection and renewal. Muslims are reminded that all events, good or bad, come from Allah alone)

• Rabi al-Awwal (The month of the Prophet’s birth. It is a time of gratitude and remembrance of his life and character)

• Rabi al-Thani (A continuation of spiritual practice and charity)

• Jumada al-Ula and Jumada al-Thani (Months for introspection, charity, and maintaining consistency in good deeds)

• Rajab (A sacred month that prepares believers for Ramadan. Many engage in voluntary fasting and prayer)

• Shaban (Known as the month of preparation, it is when Muslims ready their hearts and minds for Ramadan. The night of mid-Shaban holds special blessings)

• Ramadan (The month of fasting, revelation, and mercy. A time to strengthen faith and seek forgiveness)

• Shawwal (The month of gratitude and celebration after Ramadan. Fasting six days in Shawwal brings immense reward)

• Dhul Qadah (A sacred month of peace when fighting is forbidden, symbolizing rest and reflection)

• Dhul Hijjah (The month of Hajj and sacrifice. Its first ten days are among the most blessed days of the year)

Key Islamic Dates in 2026

The following dates may vary slightly based on local moon sightings, but they offer a clear overview of the most important events in 2026.

Isra and Miraj (January 16, 2026 (27 Rajab 1447))

This miraculous night marks the journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa and then his ascension to the heavens. It was on this night that the five daily prayers were established. Muslims commemorate this event by offering extra prayers, reciting Quran, and remembering the Prophet’s divine journey.

Nisf Shaban (Laylat al-Baraah) (February 3, 2026 (15 Shaban 1447))

Known as the Night of Forgiveness, this is when Allah opens the gates of mercy and forgiveness for His servants. Muslims spend the night praying, seeking forgiveness, and giving charity. It is believed that sustenance and destiny for the coming year are written on this night.

Ramadan Begins (February 18, 2026 (1 Ramadan 1447))

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest of all. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Muslims refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset as an act of devotion. The fast purifies the soul, strengthens discipline, and deepens empathy for the poor.

Laylat al-Qadr (March 15, 2026 (27 Ramadan 1447))

Also known as the Night of Power, it is described in the Quran as better than a thousand months. This night commemorates when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims seek this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly the odd nights, through intense prayer and remembrance.

Eid al-Fitr (March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447))

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. It is a day of joy, gratitude, and togetherness. Muslims begin the day with a special Eid prayer and give Zakat al-Fitr to confirm that everyone can celebrate. It is a time to thank Allah for the strength to complete the fasts and to renew spiritual commitment.

Hajj Season (May 25 to May 30, 2026 (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447))

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims gather in Makkah to perform the sacred rites of Hajj. The journey includes standing at Arafah, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, and offering Qurbani. It is a symbol of unity, equality, and devotion to Allah.

Day of Arafah (May 26, 2026 (9 Dhul Hijjah 1447))

This is the holiest day of Hajj. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafah to spend the day in prayer, repentance, and remembrance. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on this day erases sins of the previous and coming year.

Eid al-Adha (May 27, 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447))

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. It is celebrated through Qurbani, where animals are sacrificed and the meat shared with family, friends, and the needy. It is a reminder of faith, obedience, and gratitude.

Islamic New Year (June 16, 2026 (1 Muharram 1448))

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the new Hijri year. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Muslims use this time to set spiritual goals and remember the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which symbolizes sacrifice for faith.

Day of Ashura (June 25, 2026 (10 Muharram 1448))

Ashura is one of the most sacred days in Islam. It commemorates the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his followers from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting on this day, along with the day before, to gain great reward. It is also a day of mourning and reflection for many Muslims, remembering the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) in Karbala.

Mawlid al-Nabi (August 25, 2026 (12 Rabi al-Awwal 1448))

This day celebrates the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the messenger of mercy. Muslims commemorate the day by reading stories of his life, reflecting on his teachings, and sending peace and blessings upon him. Mosques are illuminated, and communities come together to express love for the Prophet.

The Islamic Calendar 2026 is a map of faith, guiding believers through cycles of devotion and remembrance. Each month calls to a different act of worship, patience in Ramadan, gratitude in Shawwal, sacrifice in Dhul Hijjah, reflection in Muharram.

By following this calendar, Muslims stay connected to the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the divine order of time established by Allah.