Calender Hijrah and its Importance Basic 6 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of Hijrah
• List the importance of Hijrah Calendar
• Distinguish between the Hijrah and Gregorian Calendars

Lesson Content:

WHAT IS HIJRAH?

Definition: Hijrah (هجرة) means “migration” or “emigration.” In Islamic history, it specifically refers to Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Historical Background:

• Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions faced persecution in Makkah
• They were invited to Madinah by the Ansar (helpers)
• The migration took place in 622 CE
• This event changed the course of Islamic history

THE HIJRAH CALENDAR SYSTEM:

What is the Hijrah Calendar? The Hijrah calendar, also called the Islamic or Lunar calendar, is based on the cycles of the moon. It begins from the year of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) migration to Madinah.

Key Features:

• Lunar-based – Follows moon phases
• 354-355 days per year – Shorter than solar year
• 12 months – Each month is 29 or 30 days
• Starts with Muharram – First month of Islamic year
• AH dates – Anno Hegirae (After Hijrah)

THE 12 ISLAMIC MONTHS:

1. Muharram – Sacred month, Islamic New Year
2. Safar – The month that is void
3. Rabi’ al-Awwal – First month of spring; Prophet’s birth month
4. Rabi’ al-Thani – Second month of spring
5. Jumada al-Awwal – First month of dryness
6. Jumada al-Thani – Second month of dryness
7. Rajab – Sacred month
8. Sha’ban – Month of separation
9. Ramadan – Fasting month
10. Shawwal – Month of hunting; Eid al-Fitr
11. Dhul-Qi’dah – Sacred month
12. Dhul-Hijjah – Month of pilgrimage; Eid al-Adha

IMPORTANCE OF HIJRAH CALENDAR:

1. Religious Significance

• Marks beginning of Islamic community (Ummah)
• Connects Muslims to their history
• Determines Islamic religious events

2. Worship and Rituals

• Determines Ramadan fasting period
• Sets dates for Hajj pilgrimage
• Marks Eid celebrations
• Identifies sacred months

3. Historical Importance

• Commemorates Prophet’s sacrifice
• Remembers early Muslim struggles
• Celebrates establishment of first Islamic state

4. Unity Among Muslims

• Used by Muslims worldwide
• Creates common calendar system
• Unifies Islamic practices globally

5. Spiritual Lessons

• Teaches about sacrifice for faith
• Shows importance of community
• Demonstrates trust in Allah

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIJRAH AND GREGORIAN CALENDARS:

SPECIAL MONTHS IN HIJRAH CALENDAR:

Sacred Months (Ashhur Hurum):

1. Muharram – Month of Allah
2. Rajab – Month of honor
3. Dhul-Qi’dah – Month of rest
4. Dhul-Hijjah – Month of pilgrimage

Special Features of Sacred Months:

• Fighting was traditionally forbidden
• Increased spiritual activities
• Enhanced reward for good deeds
• Time for reflection and worship

IMPORTANT ISLAMIC DATES:

Religious Observances:

• 1st Muharram – Islamic New Year
• 10th Muharram – Day of Ashura
• 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal – Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid)
• 27th Rajab – Night of Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj)
• 15th Sha’ban – Night of Forgiveness
• Entire Ramadan – Fasting month
• 1st Shawwal – Eid al-Fitr
• 10th Dhul-Hijjah – Eid al-Adha

WHY DATES MOVE IN GREGORIAN CALENDAR:

Since the Hijrah year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Islamic dates appear to “move” each year:

• Ramadan occurs in different seasons over time
• This ensures all Muslims experience fasting in different weather conditions
• Shows Allah’s wisdom in calendar system

PRACTICAL USE TODAY:

Modern Applications:

• Islamic banks use Hijrah dates
• Religious courts follow Hijrah calendar
• Islamic schools teach both calendars
• Mosques announce dates in Hijrah years
• International Islamic organizations use AH dates

HOMEWORK:

1. Explain what Hijrah means and why it’s important
2. Name all 12 months of the Islamic calendar
3. List 3 differences between Hijrah and Gregorian calendars