Hijri Islamic Calendar

Hijri and Gregorian calendar

Hijri, which is known as the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar with 12 months and 364 days a year. It started in 622 AD during the Hijra (migration) of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah.

The Gregorian calendar which is also known as the Christian or Western calendar is a solar calendar that began in 1582. It consists of 12 months and 365 days and a leap year that occurs every four years which results in 366 days.

The Lunar calendar lags behind the solar calendar by 10-11 days each year and the process repeats every 33 years.

According to the Quran, Allah commanded Muslims to use the phases of the (new) moon to mark the fixed periods of Muslim affairs including Hajj and fasting Ramadan.

November 2024

November

2024

The holy month of Ramadan

It is believed that performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj with Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Note: The act of performing Umrah during Ramadan does not substitute Hajj as it is still required for every Muslim to perform it at least once in their lifetime, but the rewards and blessings of it are the same.

Eid al Fitr

Rajab

Rajab is another important month in the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be the month of seeking forgiveness. Muslims go the extra mile by fasting, doing charity work, and travelling to the house of Allah to perform Umrah.

Hajj season

Hajj Season takes place between the 8 and 13 Dhu Al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The date for the Hajj Season changes every year in the Gregorian calendar and occurs 10 days earlier than the year before.

Eid al Adha

Day of Ashura

Weather

The weather in Saudi Arabia is seasonal. It has hot & humid summers & cool winters. However, Umrah can be performed any time of the year. You can choose a time that works well for you.