The spelling of the word "Muslim Calendar" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈmʊzlɪm ˈkæləndər/. The first syllable is pronounced as "mu-" with a short "u" sound followed by "z" and "l" sounds. The second syllable is pronounced as "-slim" with a long "i" sound and the final syllable is pronounced as "-ndar" with a short "a" sound. The Muslim Calendar is used to determine the dates of Islamic holidays and events based on the lunar cycle.
The Muslim calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar, is a lunar-based calendar system used by Muslims worldwide to determine important dates, events, and religious observances. It is based on the lunar cycle, consisting of 12 months, each beginning with the sighting of the new moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle, the Muslim calendar follows a strictly lunar pattern.
Each month in the Muslim calendar lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. As a result, the year consists of 354 or 355 days, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar year. This discrepancy causes the Muslim calendar to shift relative to the Gregorian calendar each year.
The Muslim calendar starts with the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. Thus, the first year of the Muslim calendar is 622 CE in the Gregorian calendar. The year is designated as AH, an abbreviation for the Latin phrase Anno Hegirae, which means "in the year of the Hijra."
The Muslim calendar is primarily used to determine religious dates and observances, including the holy month of Ramadan, the two major Islamic holidays – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as other significant events like the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) and the Day of Arafah. It serves as an essential tool for Muslim communities worldwide, providing a consistent framework for religious practices and commemorations.
The word "Muslim Calendar" or "Islamic Calendar" is derived from the religion of Islam, which is followed by Muslims. The etymology of the word "Muslim" dates back to the Arabic word "muslim", which means "one who submits (to God)" or "one who follows Islam". The word "Calendar" comes from the Latin word "calendarium", which refers to an account book or a register. Over time, it began to be used specifically to denote a system of organizing and measuring the passage of time. Thus, the term "Muslim Calendar" refers to the calendar system adopted by Muslims to determine religious holidays, events, and the timing of prayers.