Important Islamic Dates and Events in 2026

The Islamic calendar marks several important religious events throughout the year. In 2026, these events occur across two Hijri years, 1447 AH and 1448 AH. The dates listed below are provided for general reference and may vary slightly depending on moon sighting.

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar system used to track Islamic months, dates, and religious events. This page provides the complete Islamic calendar for 2026, including today’s Islamic date, Hijri months, and important Islamic events in one place.

Because the Islamic calendar follows moon cycles, Hijri dates shift every year compared to the Gregorian calendar. The dates shown on this page update automatically and are intended for daily reference and planning throughout the year.

How this date stays accurate

The Islamic date shown above updates automatically each day using the current Gregorian date and standard Hijri calendar calculations. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Hijri dates move earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.

Why Islamic dates can differ by country

Islamic dates may vary slightly by location due to moon sighting practices, the use of pre-calculated systems such as the Umm al-Qura calendar, and decisions made by local religious authorities. As a result, some countries may observe the Hijri date one day earlier or later.

When to rely on this date

This daily Islamic date is suitable for general reference, planning, and educational use. For religious observances that depend on local moon sighting, such as the start of Ramadan or Eid, always follow official announcements from local authorities.

What Is the Islamic Calendar?

The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, is a lunar system used by Muslims worldwide. It tracks time based on the cycles of the moon, not the sun. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon.

Because it is lunar, the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year. An Islamic year has about 354 days, which is roughly eleven days fewer than a solar year. This is why Islamic months move earlier every year on the Gregorian calendar.

Islamic Calendar vs Gregorian Calendar

The two calendars follow different natural cycles. Understanding this difference removes much of the confusion around Islamic dates.

Key differences:

• The Islamic calendar follows the moon.
• The Gregorian calendar follows the sun.
• Islamic months shift earlier each year.
• Gregorian months remain fixed within seasons.

This difference explains why Ramadan can occur in winter one year and summer another.

Why the Islamic Calendar Is Lunar

Islamic timekeeping is rooted in early Islamic practice. The lunar cycle was simple to observe and consistent across regions. The sighting of the crescent moon marked the beginning of each month and guided religious observances.

Important acts of worship depend on this system, including:

• Fasting in Ramadan
• Hajj during Dhul Hijjah
• Observance of Islamic holy days

A lunar calendar ensures these acts remain tied to moon sighting rather than seasonal changes.

How Moon Sighting Affects Hijri Dates

Moon sighting plays a central role in determining Hijri dates. Some regions rely on local sightings, while others follow pre-calculated calendars approved by religious authorities.

This leads to small variations:

• One country may begin a month a day earlier.
• Another may begin it a day later.

Both approaches are valid within Islamic jurisprudence. These differences are expected and have existed for centuries.

Complete Islamic Calendar 2026 (Hijri Calendar 1447–1448)

The year 2026 spans two Hijri years, 1447 AH and 1448 AH. This happens because the Islamic calendar is lunar and shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Hijri months move earlier each year.

The table above shows the Islamic months in order, their Hijri year, and their approximate Gregorian dates for 2026. Dates are approximate and may vary slightly depending on moon sighting and regional practices.

Islamic Months Explained (Hijri Months Guide)

The Islamic calendar consists of twelve lunar months. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts either 29 or 30 days. Below is a brief explanation of each Islamic month, listed in order.

Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day, known as Ashura, holds historical and religious significance.

Safar

Safar is the second Islamic month. Historically, it was associated with travel and movement. There are no specific religious obligations tied to this month.

Rabi al-Awwal

Rabi al-Awwal is the third month of the Hijri calendar. It is widely known as the month in which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born.

Rabi al-Thani

Rabi al-Thani is the fourth Islamic month. It follows Rabi al-Awwal and does not contain major religious observances.

Jumada al-Awwal

Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Islamic calendar. The name reflects the dry season during which it originally occurred.

Jumada al-Akhirah

Jumada al-Akhirah is the sixth month of the Hijri calendar. It completes the pair of Jumada months and precedes Rajab.

Rajab

Rajab is one of the four sacred months. Many Muslims associate this month with increased worship and reflection.

Shaban

Shaban comes before Ramadan. It is often seen as a month of preparation for fasting and spiritual focus.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth Islamic month and the month of obligatory fasting for Muslims. Fasting is observed from dawn to sunset throughout the month.

Shawwal

Shawwal follows Ramadan. The first day of Shawwal marks Eid ul Fitr, celebrating the end of fasting.

Dhul Qadah

Dhul Qadah is one of the sacred months. It precedes the Hajj season and is traditionally a time of peace.

Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah is the final Islamic month. It includes Hajj and Eid ul Adha, two of the most important events in Islam.

Important Islamic Dates and Events in 2026

The Islamic calendar marks several important religious events throughout the year. In 2026, these events occur across two Hijri years, 1447 AH and 1448 AH. The dates listed below are provided for general reference and may vary slightly depending on moon sighting.

Event / Occasion	Hijri Date	Gregorian Date (2026)	Day
Full Moon Fasting Days (Ayyam al-Beed)	13–15 Rajab 1447 AH	2 – 4 January	Fri – Sun
Isra and Mi‘raj	27 Rajab 1447 AH	16 January	Friday
Beginning of Sha’ban	1 Sha’ban 1447 AH	20 January	Tuesday
Mid-Sha’ban Night	15 Sha’ban 1447 AH	3 February	Tuesday
Start of Ramadan	1 Ramadan 1447 AH	19 February	Thursday
Laylat al-Qadr (27th of Ramadan)	27 Ramadan 1447 AH	17 March	Tuesday
Eid al-Fitr	1 Shawwal 1447 AH	20 March	Friday
Beginning of Dhul-Qa’dah	1 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 AH	18 April	Saturday
Start of Dhul-Hijjah	1 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH	18 May	Monday
Day of Arafah	9 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH	26 May	Tuesday
Eid al-Adha	10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH	27 May	Wednesday
New Islamic Year	1 Muharram 1448 AH	16 June	Tuesday
Ashura	10 Muharram 1448 AH	25 June	Thursday
Start of Safar	1 Safar 1448 AH	16 July	Thursday
Start of Rabi’ al-Awwal	1 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH	14 August	Friday
Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet ﷺ)	12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH	25 August	Tuesday
Beginning of Rabi’ ath-Thani	1 Rabi’ ath-Thani 1448 AH	12 September	Saturday
Beginning of Jumada al-Ula	1 Jumada al-Ula 1448 AH	12 October	Monday
Beginning of Jumada al-Akhirah	1 Jumada al-Akhirah 1448 AH	11 November	Wednesday
Start of Rajab	1 Rajab 1448 AH	10 December	Thursday

All Islamic event dates depend on moon sighting and may differ by country. Always follow official announcements from local religious authorities.

Islamic Date Today by Country

Islamic dates can vary by location due to differences in moon sighting practices and calendar calculation methods. Below is a general reference for how Islamic dates are observed in different regions.

Islamic Date Today in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Islamic dates are commonly determined through local moon sighting committees. As a result, the Hijri date observed in Pakistan may differ by one day from dates announced in other countries. For official religious observances, announcements by recognized authorities should be followed.

Islamic Date Today in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia generally follows the Umm al-Qura calendar, a pre-calculated system used for civil and religious scheduling. Because of this method, Islamic dates in Saudi Arabia may begin earlier compared to countries relying on local moon sighting.

Why Islamic Dates Differ by Country

Differences in Islamic dates occur due to:

• Local or regional moon sighting
• Use of calculated calendars
• Decisions by religious authorities

These variations are normal and have been part of Islamic practice for centuries.

How the Islamic Date Is Calculated

The Islamic date is calculated using the lunar cycle, which is based on the appearance of the new crescent moon. Each Islamic month begins when the new moon is sighted or confirmed through an approved calculation method.

Moon Sighting Method

Traditionally, the start of an Islamic month is confirmed through physical moon sighting. Local committees or religious authorities observe the sky after sunset on the 29th day of the current month. If the crescent moon is seen, the new month begins. If not, the current month completes 30 days.

Calculated Hijri Calendars

In addition to moon sighting, many countries and institutions use calculated Hijri calendars for planning and civil use. These calendars rely on astronomical data to predict the lunar cycle in advance.

One widely used system is the Umm al-Qura calendar, which is officially adopted in Saudi Arabia. It provides consistent dates for administrative and scheduling purposes.

Hijri Date Adjustment

Because lunar observations can vary by region, some calendars allow a ±1 day adjustment. This adjustment accounts for differences in visibility, geography, and local religious decisions.

Try the Hijri Date Converter

Use this simple tool to convert any Gregorian date into its corresponding Islamic (Hijri) date. This helps you understand how Islamic dates are calculated and how they change throughout the year.

Hijri Date Converter

Convert any Gregorian date into its corresponding Islamic (Hijri) date.

Select Gregorian Date Convert Date

Islamic (Hijri) Date: —

Converted Hijri dates are for general reference. Religious observances should follow local moon sighting announcements.

The converted Hijri date is provided for general reference. For religious observances that depend on moon sighting, always follow official announcements.

Both moon sighting and calculated methods are accepted practices. The approach followed depends on regional traditions and official guidance.

Islamic Calendar – Frequently Asked Questions