Islamic years are based on the lunar calendar, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. The Islamic calendar began with the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which is known as the Hijra. Islamic years are denoted with “AH” (Anno Hegirae), indicating the number of years since the Hijra.
Islamic year 1445 corresponds to the Gregorian calendar years 2023-2024. Here are some key points about this particular Islamic year:
- Events and Observations: Islamic years, like Islamic months, don’t have specific events or celebrations associated with them. Muslims continue their regular religious practices, prayers, and acts of worship throughout the year. The Islamic calendar is primarily used for determining the timing of religious events, such as fasting during Ramadan, the annual pilgrimage (Hajj), and other significant occasions.
- Ramadan in 1445 AH: In 1445 AH, the month of Ramadan will fall, and Muslims around the world will observe a month of fasting from dawn to sunset. The exact dates of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar vary each year as it is determined by the sighting of the moon, and it moves back by about 10-12 days in the Gregorian calendar each year. The holy month of Ramadan is a time for increased devotion, self-reflection, and communal unity.
- Hajj in 1445 AH: The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is obligatory for financially and physically able Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime, will also take place during this year. Hajj occurs in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Many Muslims aspire to make this journey to the holy city of Mecca as a deeply spiritual and transformative experience.
- Eid Celebrations: Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, celebrated after the Hajj pilgrimage, are the two major Islamic festivals during the year. In 1445 AH, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha will follow the Hajj pilgrimage.
It’s important to note that while Islamic years themselves don’t have specific events or attributes, they serve as a vital part of the Islamic calendar, allowing Muslims to mark and organize their religious observances, fasts, and acts of worship throughout the year. The lunar calendar also rotates through the seasons, providing a unique rhythm for Islamic religious life.