Question 1

What is the Islamic calendar, and how does it differ from the Gregorian calendar?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri or lunar calendar, is a calendar used by Muslims to determine the proper days of observance for Islamic holidays and rituals. It is a lunar calendar, meaning that it is based on the phases of the moon. The Gregorian calendar, in contrast, is a solar calendar based on the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Question 2

How many months are there in the Islamic calendar, and what are their names?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months. The names of these months are as follows: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal (or Rabi' I), Rabi' al-Thani (or Rabi' II), Jumada al-Awwal (or Jumada I), Jumada al-Thani (or Jumada II), Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.

Question 3

How is the beginning of a new month in the Islamic calendar determined?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar is based on the sighting of the new moon. The new month begins when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted. Traditionally, this observation was done by human witnesses, but in modern times, astronomical calculations are also used to predict the appearance of the new moon.

Question 4

What event marks the starting point of the Islamic calendar (Hijra)?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar begins with the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina. This event occurred in the year 622 CE (Common Era). The first day of the Islamic calendar, 1 Muharram, corresponds to the day of the Hijra.

Question 5

How does the Islamic calendar relate to the solar year, and is there a specific adjustment for leap years?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar is shorter than the solar year, consisting of approximately 354 or 355 days. To keep the calendar in line with the solar year, a 30-year cycle is used, where 11 leap years are interspersed. In a leap year, an extra day is added to the last month, making it 30 days instead of 29. This helps align the Islamic calendar with the seasons over a longer period.

Encyclopedia and Reference

Safe & Secure

Browse our online library of Reference worksheets.

Search for Worksheets

Footer

Safe & Secure