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In the Name of Allah, Ar-Raḥmān, Ar-Raḥīm
Assalāmu ʿAlaikum wa Rahmatullāhi wa Barakātuh
As Muslims, our relationship with time is deeply spiritual. Our days, months, and years are not merely dates on a page, but markers of worship, sacrifice, remembrance, and divine mercy. The Hijri (Islamic) calendar plays a central role in organising these sacred moments, guiding our fasting, Hajj, Eid, and other key acts of ʿibādah.
Before listing the important Hijri dates for 1447–1448 AH (2026), it is essential to understand how and why this calendar was adopted, and why it continues to hold such importance for the Ummah today.
The History and Adoption of the Hijri Calendar
During the lifetime of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, events were commonly referred to by significant occurrences rather than a fixed calendar system (for example, ʿĀm al-Fīl – the Year of the Elephant). While months such as Ramaḍān and Dhul-Ḥijjah were already known and observed, there was no formalised year-counting system in place.
This changed during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه.
As the Islamic state expanded, official correspondence, legal documents, and administrative records began to increase. A letter once arrived without a clear date, prompting concern and confusion. Recognising the need for clarity and unity, ʿUmar رضي الله عنه consulted the Ṣaḥābah to establish an official calendar for the Muslim Ummah.
Several starting points were proposed:
- The birth of the Prophet ﷺ
- The beginning of revelation
- The death of the Prophet ﷺ
- The Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Madinah
After consultation, the companions unanimously agreed that the Hijrah was the most appropriate starting point. Unlike other suggestions, the Hijrah marked a clear turning point: the establishment of the first Islamic society governed by faith, justice, and divine law.
Thus, the Hijri calendar was formally adopted, beginning from 1 Muḥarram, 1 AH, even though the actual migration occurred later in the year. This decision highlighted that Islam’s calendar is not centred on personal milestones, but on sacrifice, struggle, and the establishment of dīn.
Importantly, the Hijri calendar is purely lunar, consisting of 12 months based on the sighting of the moon. This ensures that acts of worship rotate through all seasons, allowing Muslims across generations and climates to experience fasting, Hajj, and worship under varying conditions — a profound sign of divine wisdom.
Key Islamic Dates for 1447–1448 AH (2026)
Lailat-ul-Miʿrāj
Night of 27th Rajab 1447
Friday, 16 January 2026
A night commemorating the miraculous journey of the Prophet ﷺ and the divine gift of Ṣalāh.
Shab-e-Barāt
Night of 15th Shaʿbān 1447
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
A night associated with forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual preparation before Ramaḍān.
Start of the Fasting Month – Ramaḍān Begins
1st Ramaḍān 1447
Thursday, 19 February 2026
The month of Qur’an, fasting, discipline, and transformation.
Jummat-ul-Widāʿ (Last Friday of Ramaḍān)
Friday, 13 March 2026
A deeply emotional Friday as believers prepare to bid farewell to Ramaḍān.
Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power)
Night of 27th Ramaḍān 1447
Tuesday, 17 March 2026
A night better than a thousand months — a lifetime opportunity for forgiveness.
Eid-ul-Fiṭr
1st Shawwāl 1447
Friday, 20 March 2026
A celebration of gratitude, unity, and charity after completing the fast.
Hajj – Day of ʿArafah
9th Dhul-Ḥijjah 1447
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
The most sacred day of the Islamic year, even for those not performing Hajj.
Eid-ul-Aḍḥā
10th Dhul-Ḥijjah 1447
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
A day commemorating submission to Allah through the legacy of Prophet Ibrāhīm ﷺ.
Islamic New Year
1st Muḥarram 1448
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
A moment for reflection, renewal of intention, and spiritual goal-setting.
Yawm al-ʿĀshūrāʾ
10th Muḥarram 1448
Thursday, 25 June 2026
A day of fasting observed by the Prophet ﷺ in gratitude to Allah.
“Understanding the Hijri Calendar: Its History and Key Islamic Dates for 1447–1448 AH (2026)”
Published on January 11, 2026
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Excerpt
The Hijri calendar is more than a method of marking time — it is a spiritual framework rooted in sacrifice, faith, and divine purpose. Established during the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه, it begins with the Hijrah of the Prophet ﷺ, a moment that transformed Islamic history. This article explores the origins of the Hijri calendar and presents a carefully organised list of key Islamic dates for 1447–1448 AH (2026), offering both historical insight and practical guidance for planning worship, reflection, and daily life.
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