Why Muslim follow Islamic/Hijri Calender
Assalamu Alaikum, In a world that largely operates on the Gregorian calendar, our children often ask, "Why do Muslims have a different calendar?" It's a beautiful question, one that opens the door to deeper conversations about our identity, our faith, and our connection to Allah's divine wisdom. The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar isn't just a system of counting days; it's a profound spiritual tool that shapes our worship, our history, and our very sense of self as Muslims.
Its Divine Origin & Purpose
At its heart, the Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, meticulously designed by Allah SWT. Unlike the solar calendar, our months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This isn't a human invention; it's a divine decree. Allah says in the Qur'an:
It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a [reflected] light and determined for it phases - that you may know the number of years and the account [of time]. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know. (Surah Yunus 10:5)
This verse reminds us that the moon’s phases are a clear sign from Allah, given to us so we can mark time and organize our lives. And the total number of months in a year is also divinely ordained:
Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [in a year] by Allah's decree on the day He created the heavens and the earth... (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)
Following the Hijri calendar is an act of submission to this divine arrangement, helping our children understand that our time, too, belongs to Allah.
Connecting Us to Worship
Perhaps the most profound reason we adhere to the Hijri calendar is its direct link to our acts of worship. Imagine trying to explain Ramadan, Hajj, or the two Eids without it! These pillars of Islam and major celebrations are all anchored to the lunar cycle. Observing the Hijri calendar means we are inherently connected to the rhythms of our faith. It teaches our children that their spiritual life has its own unique timetable, distinct from the secular world. It builds anticipation for blessed months like Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah, and helps them look forward to Eid celebrations as part of their Muslim identity, not just holidays.
A Legacy of Our Prophets
The Hijri calendar marks its beginning not from the birth of a prophet, but from a pivotal moment in Islamic history: the Hijra, or migration, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. This momentous journey wasn't just a physical move; it marked the establishment of the first Muslim community and the dawn of a new era for Islam. By following this calendar, we continuously remember the sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering faith of our beloved Prophet and his companions. It's a living history lesson, teaching our children about courage, brotherhood, and the importance of seeking a safe haven for faith. It grounds them in the legacy of Islam, making them proud inheritors of this beautiful tradition.
Teaching Patience and Reflection
The lunar calendar also instills valuable spiritual lessons. The act of looking for the new moon, especially before Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah, teaches us patience, communal effort, and a reliance on tangible signs from Allah. It encourages us to slow down, observe the natural world around us, and reflect on Allah's magnificent creation. In a fast-paced world, this gentle rhythm of the moon offers a beautiful contrast, teaching our children that some things require observation, community consensus, and a deep sense of connection to the cosmos, all guided by our faith.
Building a Muslim Identity
In a globalized world, fostering a strong Muslim identity in our children is paramount. Following the Hijri calendar is a powerful way to achieve this. It creates a distinct framework for their lives, different from their peers who only know the Gregorian dates. It reinforces that they belong to a unique global Muslim Ummah, sharing the same spiritual timetable, celebrating the same Eids, and observing the same Ramadans. It's a badge of honor, a subtle yet constant reminder of who they are and what they stand for.
Practical Tips for Integrating the Hijri Calendar:
Display a beautiful Hijri calendar at home. Make it a visual part of your daily life.
Discuss the significance of the current Hijri month. What events happened in this month? What special worship is associated with it?
Mark important Islamic dates on both calendars. Help your children see the correlation and distinguish between the two.
Celebrate the start of new Islamic months. Even small gestures, like a special family meal or a dua, can make it memorable.
Practice this week: This week, make it a point to verbally mention both the Gregorian and Hijri dates to your children. For example, "Today is Monday, November 11th, and it's also the 8th of Rabi' Al-Akhir." You can even look up what significant Islamic event might have occurred on this date in history!
Embracing the Hijri calendar is more than just cultural; it's deeply spiritual. It's a way to strengthen our children's connection to Allah, His commands, His prophets, and the global Muslim community. May Allah make it easy for us to raise children who are proud and knowledgeable about their beautiful Islamic heritage, Ameen.
