The Months of the Islamic Calendar

The twelve months of the Islamic calendar (Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-awwal, Rabi al-thani, and so on through to Dhu al-Hijjah), form a purely lunar year of about three hundred and fifty-four days, with no intercalation. Because that is some eleven days shorter than the solar year, the months move steadily backward through the seasons, completing a cycle against the solar year in about thirty-three years.

Each month has its significance: Ramadan is the month of fasting, Dhu al-Hijjah holds the Hajj pilgrimage and the feast of Eid al-Adha, Muharram opens the year and includes the day of Ashura, and Rabi al-awwal is associated with the Prophet's birth.