Islamic calendar
The 12 Islamic months: names, order and 2027 dates
The Islamic year has 12 lunar months, each 29 or 30 days: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah.
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar has 12 months of 29 or 30 days, so a year is about 354 days, 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. The months in order are Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin on 8 February 2027.
What are the 12 months of the Islamic calendar?
Each Islamic month starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Select a month to read its meaning, key days and expected dates for Kenya.
- Muharram: The first month, a sacred month that includes Ashura.
- Safar: The second month and what Muslims believe about it.
- Rabi al-Awwal: The month of the Prophet’s birth and the Hijrah to Madinah.
- Rabi al-Thani: The fourth month of the Islamic year.
- Jumada al-Awwal: The fifth month of the Islamic year.
- Jumada al-Thani: The sixth month, before the sacred month of Rajab.
- Rajab: A sacred month before Sha’ban and Ramadan.
- Sha’ban: The month before Ramadan, a time to prepare.
- Ramadan: The month of fasting, the Qur’an and giving.
- Shawwal: The month of Eid al-Fitr and the six voluntary fasts.
- Dhul Qadah: A sacred month before Hajj.
- Dhul Hijjah: The month of Hajj, Arafah, Eid al-Adha and Qurbani.
What are the expected dates of the Islamic months in 2027?
The dates below are calculated in advance. The real start of each month is confirmed by moon sighting, so a date can move by one day. Dates further ahead are less certain.
| Month (1448 AH) | Expected start | Expected end |
|---|---|---|
| Jumada al-Awwal | 12 Oct 2026 | 10 Nov 2026 |
| Jumada al-Thani | 11 Nov 2026 | 9 Dec 2026 |
| Rajab | 10 Dec 2026 | 8 Jan 2027 |
| Sha’ban | 9 Jan 2027 | 7 Feb 2027 |
| Ramadan | 8 Feb 2027 | 8 Mar 2027 |
| Shawwal | 9 Mar 2027 | 7 Apr 2027 |
| Dhul Qadah | 8 Apr 2027 | 6 May 2027 |
| Dhul Hijjah | 7 May 2027 | 5 Jun 2027 |
| Month (1449 AH) | Expected start | Expected end |
|---|---|---|
| Muharram (1449 AH) | 6 Jun 2027 | 4 Jul 2027 |
| Safar | 5 Jul 2027 | 2 Aug 2027 |
| Rabi al-Awwal | 3 Aug 2027 | 1 Sep 2027 |
| Rabi al-Thani | 2 Sep 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 |
| Jumada al-Awwal | 1 Oct 2027 | 30 Oct 2027 |
| Jumada al-Thani | 31 Oct 2027 | 28 Nov 2027 |
| Rajab | 29 Nov 2027 | 28 Dec 2027 |
| Sha’ban | 29 Dec 2027 | 27 Jan 2028 |
Calculated dates, subject to moon sighting in Kenya.
Which Islamic months are sacred?
Four months are called sacred (haram): Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah (Qur’an 9:36). Wrongdoing is more serious in these months, and good deeds are valued even more. Ramadan is not one of the four sacred months, but it is the most important month of the year because of fasting and the Qur’an.
Why do the Islamic months move through the seasons?
The Islamic calendar follows the moon only. A lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a solar year, so Islamic dates move earlier each year. Ramadan can fall in any season and passes through all of them over about 33 years. For the full explanation see Islamic calendar 2027.
How does Kenya decide the start of each month?
In Kenya the new moon is looked for on the evening of the 29th day. If it is seen, the new month begins. If not, the month completes 30 days. Local mosques and Muslim councils announce the result, and some communities follow announcements from other countries, so mosques may differ by a day. Follow your local community and your imam.
How can I give during these months?
You can give Sadaqah in any month. Many people also choose one date each year for their Zakat. See Zakat in Kenya and Sadaqah in Islam, then give on our donation page or by M-Pesa PayBill 949210.
Give in any month
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Give nowFrequently asked questions
How many months are there in the Islamic calendar?
There are 12 months in the Islamic calendar. Each lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon, so the Islamic year is about 354 days.
What is the first month of the Islamic year?
Muharram is the first month. The Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1449, is expected on 6 June 2027.
Which month is Ramadan in the Islamic calendar?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan 1448 is expected to start on Monday 8 February 2027.
Which are the four sacred months in Islam?
The four sacred months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. They are mentioned in the Qur’an in chapter 9, verse 36.
Why do Islamic dates change every year?
The Islamic calendar follows the moon and has about 354 days, while the Gregorian calendar has 365 days. This is why Islamic dates move about 10 to 11 days earlier each year.
When does the next Islamic month start?
The next month, Jumada al-Awwal 1448, is expected to start on Monday 12 October 2026, depending on moon sighting.
Dates on this page are calculated dates and will be updated as moon sightings are announced. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
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