Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta is scheduled to observe the crescent of Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH after sunset on Sunday, October 11, 2026, corresponding to 29 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH.
Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the two months known as Jumada, alongside Jumada al-Thaniyah.
In Arabic, both Jumada al-Awwal and Jumada al-Thaniyah are grammatically feminine, unlike the other Hijri month names, which are generally treated as masculine.
What Are the Hijri Months in Order?
The Hijri calendar consists of 12 lunar months, beginning with Muharram and ending with Dhul-Hijjah.
Four of these months are considered sacred months: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qi'dah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
Here is the order of the Hijri months and the commonly cited explanations behind their names.
1. Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Hijri year and one of the four sacred months.
Its name is associated with the prohibition of fighting during the month. It was recognized as a sacred period among the Arabs and retained its special status in Islam.
2. Safar
Safar is the second month of the Hijri calendar.
One traditional explanation for its name is that Arab settlements would become empty as people left for warfare or travel. Other explanations connect the name with the raids and journeys that took place during the month.
3. Rabi al-Awwal
Rabi al-Awwal is the third month of the Hijri calendar.
Its name is traditionally associated with the spring season because the month was named at a time that coincided with spring.
4. Rabi al-Thani
Rabi al-Thani, also known as Rabi al-Akhir, is the fourth month.
It follows Rabi al-Awwal, which explains the use of the terms “second” or “later” Rabi.
5. Jumada al-Awwal
Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Hijri calendar and the first of the two Jumada months.
The traditional explanation connects its name with the cold season at the time the months were originally named, when water could freeze. The Arabic root is associated with freezing and firmness.
Jumada al-Awwal is also grammatically feminine in Arabic.
6. Jumada al-Thaniyah
Jumada al-Thaniyah, also known as Jumada al-Thani or Jumada al-Akhirah, is the sixth month of the Hijri calendar.
It follows Jumada al-Awwal, which explains its designation as the second or later Jumada.
7. Rajab
Rajab is the seventh month of the Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months.
Its name is traditionally associated with reverence and respect. The month was also associated with refraining from fighting during its sacred period.
8. Sha'ban
Sha'ban is the eighth month of the Hijri calendar.
One traditional explanation connects its name with the idea of branching out or dispersing. Arabs were said to disperse in search of water or prepare for warfare after refraining from fighting during Rajab.
9. Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and the month of fasting for Muslims.
Its name is traditionally connected with intense heat and scorching ground at the time the month was named. The Arabic root is associated with heat and burning.
10. Shawwal
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Hijri calendar and includes Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.
Traditional explanations of its name connect it with the movement or raising of camels’ tails and, in some accounts, changes in their milk production.
11. Dhul-Qi'dah
Dhul-Qi'dah is the eleventh month and one of the four sacred months.
Its name is traditionally associated with the Arabs remaining at home and refraining from warfare and travel for military purposes during this sacred period.
12. Dhul-Hijjah
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Hijri calendar and one of the sacred months.
It is the month of Hajj and includes Eid al-Adha. Its name is therefore closely associated with pilgrimage.
What Are the Four Sacred Months?
The four sacred months are:
- Muharram
- Rajab
- Dhul-Qi'dah
- Dhul-Hijjah
These months hold a special status in Islam, and their sanctity is emphasized through the prohibition of wrongdoing and aggression.
Why Is Jumada al-Awwal Called by This Name?
The name Jumada al-Awwal is traditionally linked to the conditions that existed when the names of the Hijri months were established.
The period was associated with cold weather and the freezing of water, which is reflected in the Arabic root connected with freezing and firmness.
Although the lunar Hijri calendar moves through different seasons over the years, the traditional names of the months have remained unchanged.
Is Jumada al-Awwal Grammatically Feminine?
Yes. Jumada al-Awwal and Jumada al-Thaniyah are grammatically feminine in Arabic.
This is why Arabic grammatical agreement with these two month names differs from the treatment of most other Hijri month names.
When will Dar Al-Ifta observe the crescent of Jumada al-Awwal 1448?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta is scheduled to observe the crescent after sunset on Sunday, October 11, 2026, corresponding to 29 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH.
What is the position of Jumada al-Awwal in the Hijri calendar?
Jumada al-Awwal is the fifth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Why is Jumada al-Awwal called by this name?
Its traditional name is associated with the cold conditions and freezing of water around the period when the Hijri months were named.
What are the four sacred months?
The four sacred months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qi'dah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
What is the last month of the Hijri calendar?
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Hijri calendar. It is also the month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha.
