Muslim era, also known as the Islamic calendar or Hijri calendar, is used to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The spelling of "Muslim" is pronounced as "mʌzlɪm". The initial "M" is pronounced as "mu" with a short "u" sound like in "mud". The "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound and the "li" is pronounced as "luh". Finally, "m" at the end is silent. The Muslim era is based on lunar cycles and is followed by many Muslim countries worldwide.
The term "Muslim era" refers to a specific period of time in history that is marked by the establishment and spread of the Islamic religion. It is primarily associated with the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycles and was initiated from the year of the Prophet Muhammad's migration, known as the Hijra, from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
The Muslim era signifies the beginning of Islamic history, and the Hijri calendar is used as a reference for various religious and social practices within Muslim communities worldwide. In this system, each year is designated as either AH (Anno Hegirae) or BH (Before Hijra), with AH being the dominant one. The calendar is organized into twelve lunar months, totaling approximately 354 or 355 days, and it does not align perfectly with the solar year. Thus, there is a perpetual shifting of the Islamic holidays and events in relation to the Gregorian calendar.
The Muslim era has witnessed significant cultural, political, and religious developments across regions with Muslim populations. It encompasses the rise and fall of various Islamic empires, the spread of Islamic civilization, advancements in science, arts, and architecture, as well as numerous historical events and encounters with other civilizations. The Muslim era encompasses a vast span of time, starting from the 7th century CE to the present day, making it an essential part of understanding Islamic history and the rich heritage of Muslim societies.
The word "Muslim era" does not have a specific etymology since it is a combination of two separate terms.
The term "Muslim" refers to a follower of the religion of Islam, which originated in the 7th century CE. The term "Muslim" comes from the Arabic word "muslim", meaning "one who submits (to God)", derived from the root word "aslama", meaning "to surrender or submit".
The term "era" refers to a period of time characterized by particular events, developments, or social conditions. It comes from the Latin word "aera", meaning "age" or "epoch".
Therefore, the phrase "Muslim era" simply refers to a specific historical period or age associated with Muslim civilizations or the spread and influence of Islam.