Umm Al Qura Calendar: Saudi Arabia’s Official Islamic Lunar Calendar System
Umm al-Qura Calendar – Free Islamic Date Converter & Today’s Hijri Date
Need today’s Islamic date? Want to know when Ramadan 2025 starts? Our free Umm al-Qura calendar gives you exact Hijri dates used by Saudi Arabia and trusted by Muslims everywhere.
Convert any date from English calendar to Islamic calendar in seconds. Perfect for prayer times, Islamic holidays, Hajj planning, and daily Islamic life.
Used by over 2 billion Muslims worldwide, the Islamic lunar calendar helps you stay connected to your faith every single day. Whether you need Islamic date today, want to plan for Eid celebrations, or track sacred Islamic months, our accurate calendar has everything you need.
What is the Umm al-Qura Calendar?
The Umm al-Qura calendar is Saudi Arabia’s official Islamic calendar. It’s the same calendar used in Makkah and Madinah – Islam’s holiest cities.
This Saudi Islamic calendar uses math and science to figure out lunar months instead of waiting to see the new moon with your eyes. That’s why it’s so accurate and reliable.
Umm al-Qura means “Mother of Cities” – another name for Makkah. So this calendar comes straight from the heart of Islam.
The calendar was created by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. They use powerful computers and space science to predict exactly when each Islamic month will start. This makes it the most accurate Islamic calendar in the world.
Why the Umm al-Qura Calendar is Special:
- Used by Saudi government for all Islamic events
- Perfect for planning Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid
- Trusted worldwide by millions of Muslims
- Free to use anytime, anywhere
- Works on all devices – phones, tablets, computers
- Updated automatically every day
- Available in multiple languages
Hijri Islamic Calendar vs Umm al Qura Calendar
Many Muslims ask: “What’s the difference between the Hijri calendar and Umm al-Qura calendar?” Great question!
Old Way (Traditional Islamic Calendar):
- Wait to see the new moon with your eyes
- Different countries might start months on different days
- Weather can make it hard to see the moon
- Sometimes you don’t know until the last minute
- Moon sighting committees meet every month
- Can cause confusion between communities
New Way (Umm al Qura Calendar):
- Uses computer calculations to predict moon phases
- Same dates everywhere – no confusion
- You can plan months ahead
- Saudi Arabia’s official method
- Scientific accuracy guaranteed
- Consistent worldwide timing
Both calendars have the same 12 Islamic months. The difference is just how they decide when each month starts.
For Ramadan, this means you can know the exact start date months before it begins. No more waiting and wondering! Families can plan Ramadan meals, book time off work, and prepare spiritually well in advance.
How the Islamic Lunar Calendar Works
The Islamic calendar follows the moon’s journey around Earth. Here’s how it works in simple terms:
Moon Cycle Basics:
- New moon appears every 29-30 days
- Each Islamic month starts with a new moon
- Full moon happens in the middle of each month
- Islamic year has 12 moon cycles
- Total days per year: about 354 days
- 11 days shorter than the English calendar year
This means Islamic holidays move earlier each year compared to English calendar dates. Ramadan might be in summer one year and winter a few years later!
354-Day Islamic Year:
Because the Islamic year is shorter, it creates a 33-year cycle. After 33 years, Islamic dates come back to the same season. This beautiful system connects Muslims to the natural rhythm of the moon that people have followed for thousands of years.
Why Muslims Love the Umm al-Qura Calendar
Islamic calendar converter based on Umm al-Qura helps Muslims in so many ways:
Free Hijri Date Converter Tool
Our Gregorian to Hijri converter is completely free and super easy to use:
- Type in any English date (like 12/25/2025)
- Get the Islamic date immediately
- See the Islamic month name in Arabic and English
- Plan your Islamic events with confidence
Perfect for:
- Converting birth dates to Islamic calendar
- Finding Islamic anniversary dates
- Planning religious celebrations
- Checking historical Islamic dates
- Wedding date conversion
- Business milestone tracking
- Academic project research
Try our free date converter now – it works on phones, tablets, and computers! No download, no registration, no fees ever.
Saudi Arabia’s Official Islamic Calendar
What calendar does Saudi Arabia use? They use two calendars:
- English calendar (Gregorian) for business and government work
- Umm al-Qura calendar for all Islamic dates and religious events
The Saudi Hijri calendar controls when these important events happen:
- Ramadan fasting month
- Hajj pilgrimage season
- Eid holidays
- Islamic school years
- Government Islamic holidays
- Banking Islamic observances
Because Saudi Arabia takes care of Makkah and Madinah, their Islamic calendar dates are followed by Muslims worldwide. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (Saudi King) has the responsibility to announce these important dates.
Saudi Islamic Calendar Authority:
The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology publishes official Umm al-Qura dates. Their team of Islamic scholars and astronomers work together to ensure 100% accuracy for all Islamic dates.
The 12 Islamic Months Made Simple
Here are the 12 months of Islamic calendar with easy explanations:
Each Islamic lunar month has either 29 or 30 days, making the Islamic year about 354 days total.
🕌 Umm al Qura Calendar 12 Months
Unlike the solar calendar most of us use for work and school, the Islamic calendar 2025 follows the moon’s natural cycles, creating a 354-day year that shifts relative to seasons. This means your Ramadan dates, Eid celebrations, and Hajj timing gradually move through different seasons over the years—a beautiful reminder that Islam adapts to all circumstances while maintaining its core principles.
1. 🌟 Muharram: Your Fresh Start in the Islamic New Year
Muharram isn’t just the first month—it’s your spiritual New Year’s resolution rolled into sacred tradition. As one of the four sacred months in Islam (الأشهر الحرم), this month offers you a unique opportunity to reset your intentions and strengthen your relationship with Allah.
The Day of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram holds special significance. Whether you’re observing the Sunni fasting tradition or participating in Shia commemorations, this day connects you to pivotal moments in Islamic history. Many Muslims find that starting their year with the spiritual discipline of Ashura fasting sets a powerful tone for the months ahead.
2. 🧳 Safar: Breaking Free from Superstitions
Let’s be honest—you’ve probably heard someone say “Safar is unlucky,” right? Here’s the beautiful truth: Islam teaches us that every moment is blessed by Allah’s wisdom. The second month of Islamic calendar gets its name from the Arabic word meaning “to depart,” historically when Arab tribes would travel for trade.
Instead of avoiding important decisions this month, why not use Safar as your month of courage? It’s the perfect time to start new projects, make positive changes, and trust in Allah’s perfect timing for your life.
3. 💚 Rabi al-Awwal: Celebrating the Light of Guidance
Your heart probably fills with joy just thinking about Prophet Muhammad’s birthday month! Rabi al-Awwal transforms the entire Muslim community as we celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi and reflect on our beloved Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) teachings.
This third Islamic month is perfect for:
- Reading more Hadith collections and Seerah books
- Increasing your Salawat (sending blessings on the Prophet)
- Teaching your children about Islamic values and Prophet’s character
- Organizing community Mawlid celebrations with family and friends
The spiritual energy during Rabi al-Awwal 2025 creates an ideal atmosphere for deepening your understanding of Sunnah practices and Islamic lifestyle.
4. 🌸 Rabi ath-Thani: Sustaining Your Spiritual Momentum
Don’t let the spiritual high from the previous month fade away! Rabi ath-Thani (also called Rabi al-Akhir) is your opportunity to maintain the beautiful connection you’ve built with Islamic teachings. Think of it as your “spiritual maintenance month.”
Many Muslims use this fourth Islamic month to establish consistent daily Islamic routines, whether that’s waking up for Fajr prayer, reading Quran daily, or practicing Islamic meditation (Muraqaba).
5. 🌵 Jumada al-Ula: Finding Strength in Patience
Life getting tough? Jumada al-Ula teaches us about resilience during challenging times. Historically representing the dry season in Arabia, this fifth Islamic month reminds us that just as desert travelers needed patience and perseverance, we too can find strength through our Islamic faith during difficult periods.
Use this month to:
- Practice Sabr (patience) in your daily challenges
- Increase your Dua (supplication) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Study stories of Prophets who showed incredible perseverance
- Strengthen your Tawakkul (trust in Allah)
6. 🌊 Jumada ath-Thaniyah: Preparing Your Heart
The sixth month serves as your spiritual preparation period. Like a calm before beautiful storms of worship that follow, Jumada ath-Thaniyah offers you space to organize your priorities and strengthen your Islamic practices.
Consider this your monthly spiritual audit: How’s your Salah consistency? Are you reading Quran regularly? Is your Zakat calculation up to date? This quiet month gives you time to fine-tune your worship routine.
7. ✨ Rajab: Your Sacred Preparation Month
Welcome to your spiritual boot camp! Rajab, one of the four sacred months, traditionally serves as preparation time for Ramadan. Many Muslims call it “Rajab al-Murajjab” (the revered Rajab) and use it to build spiritual discipline.
Popular Rajab practices include:
- Voluntary fasting to prepare for Ramadan
- Extended night prayers (Tahajjud)
- Increased Quran recitation and Tafseer study
- Islamic charity and community service
- Learning Ramadan preparation tips
Smart Muslims start their Ramadan prep during Rajab, making the transition smoother and more meaningful.
8. 🌙 Sha’ban: The Bridge to Ramadan
Sha’ban is like your final dress rehearsal before the main performance! This eighth Islamic month offers your last chance to fine-tune your worship routine before Ramadan 2025 begins.
The Night of Bara’at (Laylat al-Bara’at) on the 15th night is particularly special. Many Muslims spend this night in:
- Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar)
- Night prayers and Quran recitation
- Dua for family, community, and the Ummah
- Charitable giving and helping those in need
Pro tip: Use Sha’ban to gradually increase your voluntary fasting days, making the transition to Ramadan fasting feel natural and joyful.
9. 🌟 Ramadan: Your Annual Spiritual Revolution
Here it is—the month that changes everything! Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month, transforms not just individual Muslims but entire communities worldwide. This isn’t just about fasting from sunrise to sunset; it’s about experiencing a complete spiritual makeover.
Your Ramadan experience includes:
- Daily fasting (Sawm) building self-discipline and empathy
- Tarawih prayers connecting you with your community
- Increased Quran reading—many complete the entire Quran during this month
- Zakat giving and Sadaqah multiplying your rewards
- Iftar gatherings strengthening family and community bonds
- Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) offering blessings worth 1000+ months
Ramadan 2025 will be particularly special as Muslims worldwide unite in this shared spiritual experience. Use UmmAlQuraCalendar.org to track exact Ramadan dates, Suhoor times, Iftar times, and prayer schedules for your location.
10. 🎉 Shawwal: Celebrating Your Spiritual Victory
Eid ul-Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal—need we say more? This tenth Islamic month begins with one of Islam’s most joyous celebrations, marking your successful completion of Ramadan’s spiritual journey.
But Shawwal offers more than just Eid celebrations:
- Six fasts of Shawwal extending your spiritual momentum
- Eid gift-giving and family gatherings
- Community Eid prayers and festive meals
- Maintaining Ramadan habits in your daily routine
- Gratitude practices for spiritual growth achieved
The Shawwal fasting tradition (six voluntary fasts) is like getting bonus spiritual points—combining these with your Ramadan fasts gives you rewards equivalent to fasting the entire year!
11. 🕊️ Dhul-Qa’dah: Your Sacred Month of Peace
As the eleventh month and another sacred month, Dhul-Qa’dah brings a sense of peace and preparation. Historically, this was when conflicts ceased and people prepared for Hajj pilgrimage.
If you’re planning Hajj 2025 or Umrah, this month is crucial for:
- Hajj preparation including physical, spiritual, and logistical planning
- Islamic travel prayers and Hajj Duas
- Purifying intentions and seeking forgiveness
- Learning Hajj rituals and Umrah procedures
- Community fundraising for those needing Hajj financial support
Even if you’re not traveling to Mecca this year, Dhul-Qa’dah is perfect for increasing your prayers for Hajj pilgrims and deepening your spiritual connection to the Holy Kaaba.
12. 🕋 Dhul-Hijjah: The Grand Finale of Your Islamic Year
Dhul-Hijjah—the month that brings together millions of hearts in Mecca and billions more around the world! This twelfth and final month culminates your Islamic year with the most profound spiritual experiences.
The first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered among the most blessed in Islam:
- Hajj pilgrimage for those blessed to make the journey
- Eid ul-Adha celebrations on the 10th day
- Qurbani (animal sacrifice) commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion
- Increased worship including Dhikr, fasting, and charity
- Day of Arafat fasting for non-pilgrims
Whether you’re performing Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia or participating from home through Qurbani and Eid ul-Adha prayers, this month connects you to the global Muslim Ummah in profound ways.
Islamic Calendar Around the World
The Umm al-Qura calendar is used differently in various countries:
Countries Using Umm al-Qura:
- Saudi Arabia – Official for all Islamic dates
- UAE – Religious events and holidays
- Kuwait – Islamic occasions and banking
- Bahrain – Religious calendar and festivals
- Qatar – Islamic dates and celebrations
- Oman – Religious observances
Countries Using Traditional Moon Sighting:
- Pakistan – Local moon sighting committees
- India – Regional Islamic calendars
- Bangladesh – Traditional methods
- Indonesia – Mix of both systems
- Malaysia – Government calculations with local input
- Turkey – Astronomical calculations
Islamic Organizations Worldwide:
- Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
- Muslim World League
- Islamic Development Bank
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation
- International Islamic Calendar Organization
Frequently Islamic Calendar
What is the difference between Hijri and Umm al-Qura calendar?
The Hijri calendar is the traditional Islamic calendar that waits to see the new moon. The Umm al-Qura calendar uses math to predict when the new moon will appear. Both have the same 12 months, but Umm al-Qura gives you dates ahead of time.
Is the Umm al-Qura calendar accurate?
Yes! The Umm al-Qura calendar is very accurate because it uses space science and math to predict moon phases. It’s much more reliable than waiting to see the moon, especially when it’s cloudy or hard to see.
What is the most accurate calendar in the world?
For Islamic dates, the Umm al-Qura calendar is the most accurate lunar calendar available. For regular daily life, most people use the English (Gregorian) calendar. Both are very precise for their purposes.
Does Saudi follow the Umm al-Qura calendar?
Yes! Saudi Arabia officially uses the Umm al-Qura calendar for all Islamic dates. This includes Ramadan, Hajj, Eid, and other religious events. The Saudi government publishes these dates for the whole world to follow.
What does Ummul Qura mean?
Ummul Qura means “Mother of Cities” in Arabic. This is a special name for Makkah, the holiest city in Islam. The calendar is named after Makkah because it’s so important to Muslims everywhere.
Which city is called Umm-ul-Qura?
Makkah is called Umm-ul-Qura. This is where the Kaaba is located – the building Muslims pray toward five times a day. Makkah is called the “Mother of Cities” because it’s the center of Islamic faith.
What calendar does Saudi Arabia use?
Saudi Arabia uses two calendars: the English calendar for business and daily life, and the Umm al-Qura Islamic calendar for religious events like Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid celebrations.
Who invented calendar in Islam?
The Islamic calendar was created during the time of Caliph Umar around 1,400 years ago. It starts from when Prophet Muhammad moved from Makkah to Madinah (called the Hijra). The Umm al-Qura version is a modern, more accurate way to calculate the same calendar.
What does Ummul Qura mean in the Quran?
In the Holy Quran, Umm al-Qura refers to Makkah as mentioned in verses 6:92 and 42:7. The Quran describes it as the central city from which Islamic guidance spreads to the whole world.
Do Muslims have a different calendar?
Yes! Muslims use the Islamic calendar along with the regular English calendar. The Islamic calendar follows the moon and has 354 days per year. This is why Islamic holidays move to different times each year compared to English calendar dates.
Is Umm al-Qura calendar accurate?
Absolutely! The Umm al-Qura calendar is extremely accurate because it uses advanced space science to predict exactly when each Islamic month will start. No guessing or waiting required!
Umm al-Qura calendar Ramadan – How is it determined?
Ramadan dates in the Umm al-Qura calendar are calculated using space science that predicts when the 9th Islamic month will begin. This lets Muslims know Ramadan start dates months or even years ahead of time, making it easy to plan for the holy month.
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