Islamic vs Gregorian Calendar: Why Ramadan Falls on Different Days Eac

Message from the writer: "There are times when Ramadan falls in the peak of summer, whilst in other years it may fall in winter. But how is that possible? In this blog we will look into how the Islamic calendar works and the exclusive virtues Ramadan brings."

How Does the Islamic Calendar Work?

The Lunar System

The Islamic calendar follows the moon, not the sun. While the Gregorian calendar most of us use for daily life is solar-based and has 365 days, the Hijri calendar is lunar and contains only 354 or 355 days. This means the Islamic year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year. As a result, Islamic months shift backwards through the seasons each year, and Ramadan arrives earlier on the Gregorian calendar annually.

Each Islamic month begins when the new crescent moon is sighted. This is why you'll sometimes hear announcements about moon sighting for the start of Ramadan or Eid. Allah says in the Qur'an,

"They ask you about the new moons. Say, 'They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj'" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:189).

The lunar cycle connects us to the natural rhythm Allah created, reminding us that time itself is a sign of His wisdom.

The Beginning of the Hijri Calendar

The Islamic calendar doesn't begin with the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) birth or the first revelation. Instead, it marks the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet and the Muslim community from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event was chosen by the companions, particularly Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), as the starting point because it represented the establishment of the first Islamic state and the beginning of a new era for the Muslim Ummah.

The Hijri calendar has twelve months. Ramadan, the ninth month, holds a special place as the month of fasting and the month in which the Qur'an was revealed.

What Makes Ramadan Special?

The Virtues of the Blessed Month

Ramadan is unlike any other month. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained" (Sahih Bukhari).

It's a time when our worship is multiplied, our duas are more likely to be accepted, and we have the opportunity to earn Allah's forgiveness for our past sins.

The Night of Decree, Laylatul Qadr, falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan and is described in the Qur'an as better than a thousand months. Imagine, one night of sincere worship being worth more than 83 years. This is the mercy and generosity of Allah, giving us the chance to transform our lives and our Hereafter in just one blessed month.

Meaningful Ramadan Activities

Beyond fasting, Ramadan is a time for the entire family to grow closer to Allah. Reading Qur'an together, attending Taraweeh prayers, giving charity, and sharing Iftar with neighbours are all beautiful traditions. For children, Ramadan can become a month they eagerly await when we make it engaging and educational.

Teaching children about the Companions who lived through those early Hijri years adds depth to their understanding. The 10 Promised Paradise Interactive Islamic Wall Art & Audio Mat brings these stories to life, featuring Umar ibn al-Khattab and the other blessed Companions who were promised Jannah. Children can learn about their sacrifices, their character, and their unwavering faith through interactive audio, making history tangible and inspiring.

10 Promised Paradise Interactive Islamic Wall Art & Audio Mat

£29.99

BUY NOW →

Simple activities like creating a Ramadan calendar, decorating the home, or setting family goals for Qur'an completion can transform the month from a series of long fasting days into a celebration of faith. When children understand why Ramadan moves through the seasons, they begin to appreciate the wisdom behind the lunar calendar and how it allows Muslims in every part of the world to experience Ramadan in different seasons throughout their lives.

You might want to explore:
Green Ramadan Mubarak Palestine Themed Decoration Gift Set
Sahaba Series - Instant Download

FAQs

Q: Why does Ramadan come 10 days earlier each year?

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based with 354-355 days, while the Gregorian calendar is solar-based with 365 days. This 10-11 day difference means Ramadan shifts backwards through the seasons, allowing Muslims worldwide to experience fasting in different weather conditions over their lifetime.

Q: Why did the Companions choose the Hijrah as the starting point for the Islamic calendar?

The Hijrah marked the establishment of the first Islamic state in Madinah and represented a turning point for the Muslim community. Under the leadership of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), the Companions chose this momentous event rather than the Prophet's birth or the first revelation because it symbolised the beginning of Islam as a complete way of life.

Q: How can I help my children understand the Islamic calendar?

Start by explaining the moon phases in simple terms and showing them how to spot the crescent moon. Create a visual Hijri calendar at home, mark important Islamic dates, and share stories from Islamic history that correspond to different months. Making it interactive and visual helps children grasp the concept naturally.

Q: What is the 10 Promised Paradise Interactive Wall Art & Audio Mat?

This interactive educational tool features the ten Companions who were promised Paradise during their lifetimes, including Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, and six others. Through touch-activated audio, children learn about each Companion's life, character, and contributions to Islam. It's a screen-free way to bring Islamic history into your home and inspire children with real role models.

Q: What are some family-friendly Ramadan activities?

Create a Ramadan countdown calendar, set family Qur'an reading goals, prepare Iftar together, give charity as a family, decorate your home with Islamic art, attend Taraweeh prayers, host Iftar gatherings for neighbours, and dedicate time each evening to learning about the Prophet's life or the Companions' stories. The key is making it engaging and age-appropriate for everyone.