What are the 12 lunar months?
The 12 lunar months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul-Qi’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon, forming the lunar or Hijri calendar used widely in Islamic tradition.
What Is a Lunar Month?
A lunar month is the time the Moon takes to complete one full orbit around Earth—approximately 29.53 days. It begins when the new moon appears and ends when the next one begins.
Lunar months are used in various calendars, including Islamic (Hijri), Hebrew, and Chinese lunar calendars, but this article focuses on the Islamic 12 lunar months.
List of the 12 Lunar Months in Order
Below is the full list of the 12 lunar months according to the Islamic calendar, with their approximate meanings and significance:
1. Muharram (المحرّم)
The first month of the Islamic year; one of the four sacred months where warfare is forbidden.
2. Safar (صفر)
The second month; traditionally associated with travel and transition.
3. Rabi’ al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)
The third month; marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabi).
4. Rabi’ al-Thani (ربيع الآخر)
The fourth month; also known as Rabi’ al-Akhir, meaning “the last spring.”
5. Jumada al-Awwal (جمادى الأولى)
The fifth month; the word “Jumada” means “dry,” marking the dry season.
6. Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الآخرة)
The sixth month; also called Jumada al-Akhira, meaning “the end of dryness.”
7. Rajab (رجب)
The seventh month; a sacred month of peace and preparation for Ramadan.
8. Sha’ban (شعبان)
The eighth month; a time of spiritual readiness before Ramadan.
9. Ramadan (رمضان)
The ninth month; the holiest month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
10. Shawwal (شوّال)
The tenth month; begins with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
11. Dhul-Qi’dah (ذو القعدة)
The eleventh month; another sacred month during which fighting is forbidden.
12. Dhul-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)
The twelfth and final month; the month of Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
How Many Days Are in a Lunar Month?
A lunar month can have either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. The variation occurs because the Moon’s orbit isn’t perfectly regular, so months alternate between 29 and 30 days to match the natural lunar cycle.
How Are Lunar Months Determined?
Step-by-step process:
- New Moon Observation – The new crescent moon marks the start of a new month.
- Moon Sighting Committees – In Islamic countries, local authorities verify the sighting.
- Global Synchronization – Different regions may begin the month a day apart due to visibility differences.
- Calendar Adjustment – Official lunar calendars are updated based on verified sightings.
FAQs – 12 Lunar Months
1. How many lunar months are there in a year?
There are 12 lunar months, forming a lunar year of about 354 days.
2. Why are lunar months shorter than solar months?
Because the Moon completes its orbit in 29.53 days — shorter than the solar month of roughly 30.4 days.
3. Do all lunar calendars start with Muharram?
Not all. The Islamic calendar begins with Muharram, while other lunar calendars (like the Chinese or Hebrew) have different starting months.
4. When does Ramadan start every year?
Ramadan starts with the first sighting of the crescent moon after Sha’ban, shifting 10–11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
5. Can lunar months be predicted accurately?
Yes. Astronomical calculations can forecast new moon phases, but many religious calendars still rely on visual confirmation for authenticity.
Also see: List of Jewish Months