Islamic Months: The 12 months of the Muslim Calendar

 There are 12 months in the Islamic calendar which are based on the position and phases of the moon. Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new moon and are usually 29 to 30 days long. The Islamic calendar or the lunar calendar changes every year, that is the placement of each month is different from that of the previous year. 

Each Islamic month has its own significance and symbolizes a particular meaning. Here each month's importance has been described briefly 

1) Muharram: The first month of the Islamic calendar is Muharram. Muharram comes from an Arabic term meaning "forbidden". This month is known so as all forms of fighting are prohibited, and worshippers have to refrain from doing anything that would violate the sanctity of the 

The Muharram month 10th day of Muharram is known as Ashura. This day is of great significance for both sections of Muslims. For others, this day is marked with fasting and special prayers in mosques. However, for other sects, the Day of Ashura marks the anniversary of the killing of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein during the Battle of Karbala, and is, therefore, a day of mourning. 

2)Safar: Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar which means "void" in Arabic. It was given the name because, in the pre-Islamic era, Arabs would leave their homes in search of food.

3)Rabi al-Awwal: The third month of the Islamic calendar is Rabi al-Awwal meaning "first Spring". The month's name symbolizes a period when cattle would start grazing. It is believed by Muslims that the Prophet Muhammad was born during this month, making it particularly special. 

4)Rabi al-Thani: Rabi al-Thani is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar and means ‘the second spring’. 

5)Jumada al-Awwal: This fifth month of the year translates to ‘the first parched land’. It is believed that historically Jumada al-Awwal was the first month of summer pre-Islamic times. 

6)Jumada al-Thani: The term Jumada al-Thani means ‘the last parched land’. This month is celebrated by a different section of Muslims for different reasons. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Khadijah’s youngest daughter died and was born during this month, Caliph Abu Bakr also passed away in this month, making this a month of mourning for many.

7)Rajab: Considered one of the sacred Islamic months. Rajab is the second month in which fighting is forbidden for the faithful. The term Rajab means respect or honor, and also means "to remove". It is also believed that the month gets its name from the time when people would remove the heads of their spears to refrain from fighting. 

8)Shaban: Shaban comes from the Arabic term meaning "scattered". This is in reference to the time when Arab tribes would split up across the land and travel around to obtain water. 

9)Ramadan: The most known Islamic month is Ramadan, which comes from the Arabic term meaning "burning heat". It's in reference to the burning of worldly desires during this month. This is also the fasting month. The month when practicing Muslims will fast from dawn to sunset.  During this month Muslims emphasize giving to charity, visiting the poor and sick, as well as engaging in extra prayers, and asking for forgiveness.  

10)Shawwal: The term Shawaal means "raised". The name of the month refers to the period when female camels raise their tails when they are ready to give birth. The first day of the month is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, for concluding Ramadan. 

12)Dhul Qida: It is the another when fighting is prohibited.

12)Dhul Hijjah: The final month of the Islamic calendar means "the possessor of the pilgrimage". It is during this month that the holy journey of Hajj takes place 

Hence, each month in the Islamic calendar has historic significance and the faiths of the Muslim people in one way or another.