Below are important Islamic dates for the current Hijri year with their Gregorian (Western) equivalents. Dates may vary by one day depending on moon sighting. All dates below are for the current Islamic (Hijri) year 1442.
Hijri: 1 Muharram | Gregorian: August 20, 2020
The first day of the Islamic (Hijri) year, marking the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Muslims reflect on the new year and may observe it with prayer and remembrance.
Hijri: 10 Muharram | Gregorian: August 29, 2020
The tenth day of Muharram. For Sunni Muslims it marks the day Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh; many fast. For Shia Muslims it is a day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala.
Hijri: 12 Rabi Al Awwal | Gregorian: October 29, 2020
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), observed on 12 Rabi al-Awwal. Many Muslims celebrate with gatherings, recitations, and charitable acts, though observance varies by community.
Hijri: 27 Rajab | Gregorian: March 11, 2021
Commemorates the Night Journey and Ascension: the Prophet (peace be upon him) was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and then through the heavens (Mi'raj). A significant event in Islamic tradition, often observed with prayer and reflection.
Hijri: 15 Shaban | Gregorian: March 28, 2021
The Night of Forgiveness (15 Sha'ban), when Muslims believe Allah determines destinies for the coming year. Many spend the night in prayer and seek forgiveness; some observe optional fasting.
Hijri: 1 Ramadan | Gregorian: April 13, 2021
The first day of Ramadan, the month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship, self-discipline, and empathy.
Hijri: 27 Ramadan | Gregorian: May 9, 2021
The Night of Power, when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed. It is better than a thousand months; Muslims seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on odd nights, with intense worship.
Hijri: 1 Shawwal | Gregorian: May 13, 2021
The festival of breaking the fast, celebrated on 1 Shawwal after Ramadan. Muslims perform a special prayer, give charity (zakat al-fitr), and celebrate with family and community.
Hijri: 9 Dhu Al Hijjah | Gregorian: July 19, 2021
The ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, when pilgrims stand at the plain of Arafat during Hajj. Fasting on this day is highly recommended for non-pilgrims; it is believed to expiate sins of the previous and coming year.
Hijri: 10 Dhu Al Hijjah | Gregorian: July 20, 2021
The Festival of Sacrifice (10 Dhu al-Hijjah), commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims who can afford it offer an animal sacrifice and share the meat with family and the needy.
Hijri: 11 Dhu Al Hijjah | Gregorian: July 21, 2021
The three days after Eid al-Adha (11–13 Dhu al-Hijjah) when pilgrims complete the rites of Hajj by stoning the jamarat and when the sacrifice and celebration of Eid continue.