The Hijri calendar and moon sighting in India
By Team Sukon
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar follows the moon. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent, the hilal. This is why Ramadan, Eid and Hajj move through the seasons, and why dates can differ from one country to another.
Twelve months, set by Allah
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” — Quran 9:36
“They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.” — Quran 2:189
- Muharram · مُحَرَّم
- Safar · صَفَر
- Rabi al-Awwal · رَبِيع الأَوَّل
- Rabi al-Thani · رَبِيع الثَّانِي
- Jumada al-Ula · جُمَادَى الأُولَى
- Jumada al-Akhirah · جُمَادَى الآخِرَة
- Rajab · رَجَب
- Shaban · شَعْبَان
- Ramadan · رَمَضَان
- Shawwal · شَوَّال
- Dhul Qadah · ذُو القَعْدَة
- Dhul Hijjah · ذُو الحِجَّة
The four sacred months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. The calendar counts its years from the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
Why the Hijri year is shorter
A lunar month is about 29.5 days, so a Hijri year has 354 or 355 days — about 11 days fewer than the solar year. Ramadan therefore comes about 11 days earlier each year and passes through every season over roughly 33 years.
Sighting the moon
“Fast when you see it, and end the fast when you see it. If it is hidden from you, then complete the count of thirty days.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 1909; Sahih Muslim 1081
On the evening of the 29th day, people look for the crescent just after sunset. If it is seen and confirmed, the new month begins that night. If not, the month is completed as 30 days.
Moon sighting in India
- Local announcements. City and state hilal (Ruet-e-Hilal) committees and leading Islamic institutions collect reports of sightings and announce the start of the month.
- A day behind the Gulf. Because India lies east of Arabia, the crescent is often seen here one evening later, so Ramadan and Eid in India often begin a day after Saudi Arabia.
- Differences within India. Different committees may sometimes announce different days. Follow the announcement your local masjid follows, so your community fasts and celebrates together.
How Sukon shows the date
Sukon’s Hijri date converter and prayer calendar show a calculated Hijri date. It is a good guide for planning, but it can differ by a day from the local sighting. For the start of Ramadan, Eid and other important days, always follow your local hilal announcement.
Questions
Why is Eid in India often one day after Saudi Arabia?
The new crescent is usually seen first further west. India is east of Arabia, so on the evening the moon is seen in Arabia it is often too young or too low to be seen in India, and the month here begins a day later.
Can the Sukon Hijri date be one day different from my masjid?
Yes. Sukon shows a calculated date. The month in your area begins when your local hilal committee announces a sighting, so always follow your local announcement for Ramadan, Eid and other important dates.
How many days are in a Hijri month?
A Hijri month is 29 or 30 days. If the crescent is not seen on the evening of the 29th, the month is completed as 30 days.