The spelling of "Muhammadan Calendar" may seem straightforward, but it's important to use the correct transcription to ensure accuracy. The phonetic transcription of this word using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /muːˈhæm.ə.dən ˈkæl.ɪn.dər/. The first syllable is pronounced "moo," followed by "hahm," and ending with "uhdun." The second word is pronounced as "kal-in-der," with the stress on the second syllable. This calendar is also known as the Islamic calendar, based on the lunar cycle, and is used by many Muslim communities around the world.
The Muhammadan Calendar, also known as the Islamic Calendar or Hijri Calendar, is a lunar-based calendar used primarily by Muslims for religious, cultural, and societal purposes. It is based on the lunar cycle, with each year comprising 12 lunar months, amounting to approximately 354 or 355 days.
The Muhammadan Calendar begins from the year of the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from the city of Mecca to the city of Medina in 622 CE. This event is considered a significant turning point in Islamic history and serves as the starting point of the calendar. Consequently, dates in the Muhammadan Calendar are expressed as Anno Hegirae (AH), which translates to "in the year of the Hijrah."
The calendar follows a 30-year cycle, consisting of 19 normal years, each with 354 or 355 days, and 11 leap years, which have an extra day added to ensure alignment with the solar year. The determination of the beginning of each month is based on the sighting of the new moon, making it an observational calendar.
While the Muhammadan Calendar is primarily used to mark Islamic holidays and religious observances, it also plays a role in various cultural and social aspects of Muslim communities worldwide. It serves as a guide for fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, determining the timing of pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), and organizing religious events and gatherings within the Muslim community.
The term "Muhammadan Calendar" is derived from the name Muhammad, who is the central figure in Islam. This calendar is used by Muslims worldwide to mark the passage of time and determine significant religious events. However, it is important to note that the usage of "Muhammadan" is considered outdated and sometimes offensive, as it incorrectly implies that Muslims worship Muhammad. The preferred term for the calendar is "Islamic calendar" or "Hijri calendar", referring to the migration (Hijra) of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which marks the beginning of this calendar.