The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar followed by Muslims around the world. It has 12 months and each month begins with the sighting of the moon. Because the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Islamic dates move earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
In 2026, the Islamic calendar covers parts of 1447 AH and 1448 AH. Important dates such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hajj, the Day of Arafah, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and Mawlid al-Nabi are based on moon sighting and may vary by location.
The 12 Months of the Islamic Calendar
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi al-Awwal
- Rabi al-Thani
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani
- Rajab
- Sha’ban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhul Qa’dah
- Dhul Hijjah
Hijri vs Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar follows the solar year, while the Islamic calendar follows the moon. This is why Ramadan, Eid, Hajj, and other Islamic dates shift each year on the Gregorian calendar. The Islamic year is around 354 to 355 days, which makes it shorter than the Gregorian year.
For Muslims in Canada and around the world, this means important Islamic dates should always be checked closer to the time. Local moon sighting announcements may affect the final start date of each Islamic month.
Islamic Calendar 2026, Important Dates
Use this table where the missing table currently appears.
| Islamic Date | Gregorian Date 2026 | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ramadan 1447 | February 18, 2026 | Ramadan begins |
| 27 Ramadan 1447 | March 15, 2026 | Laylat al-Qadr, expected night |
| 1 Shawwal 1447 | March 20, 2026 | Eid al-Fitr |
| 8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | May 25, 2026 | Hajj begins |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | May 26, 2026 | Day of Arafah |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | May 27, 2026 | Eid al-Adha |
| 1 Muharram 1448 | June 16, 2026 | Islamic New Year |
| 10 Muharram 1448 | June 25, 2026 | Ashura |
| 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 | August 25, 2026 | Mawlid al-Nabi |
These dates are expected dates and may change based on moon sighting. Current 2026 Islamic calendar sources list Ramadan beginning around February 18, Eid al-Fitr around March 20, Eid al-Adha around May 27, Islamic New Year around June 16, and Mawlid al-Nabi around August 25.
Important Islamic Months in 2026
Ramadan is the month of fasting, worship, Qur’an, charity, and spiritual renewal. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18, with Eid al-Fitr expected on March 20, subject to moon sighting.
Dhul Hijjah is the month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha. The first ten days are among the most blessed days of the year. Hajj is expected to begin around May 25, the Day of Arafah around May 26, and Eid al-Adha around May 27, subject to moon sighting.
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. In 2026, 1 Muharram 1448 is expected around June 16, and Ashura is expected around June 25.
Make Your Giving Count This Islamic Year
The Islamic calendar helps Muslims plan worship, fasting, charity, and community support throughout the year. From Ramadan to Dhul Hijjah, these blessed times remind us to give with intention and support families facing hunger and hardship.