Definition

Noun: A unit of time in the Islamic calendar, which is a purely lunar calendar. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts for either 29 or 30 days. The Islamic calendar has 12 months in a year of approximately 354 days.

Usage

This term refers specifically to any one of the twelve named months within the Islamic (Hijri) calendar system. It is used in religious, historical, and cultural contexts related to Islam.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Ramadan is a sacred Islamic calendar month observed by fasting from dawn to sunset.
  • The pilgrimage of Hajj takes place during the Islamic calendar month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
  • Muharram is the first Islamic calendar month of the Islamic new year.

Advanced Usage

• "The current Islamic calendar month is...": A common phrase used to state the present time within the Islamic lunar system.
  • The current Islamic calendar month is Sha'ban, which precedes Ramadan.

Variants and Related Words

• Lunar month: A general term for a month based on the moon's cycles, of which an Islamic calendar month is a specific type.
• Hijri month: A direct synonym, referencing the Hijri calendar era.
• Ramadan, Shawwal, Muharram: Examples of specific named Islamic calendar months.

Synonyms

• Hijri month
• Muslim calendar month
• Lunar month (in the specific context of the Islamic calendar)

Related Phrases

• Beginning of the month: Refers to the start, marked by the lunar sighting.
  • The beginning of the Islamic calendar month is determined by moon sighting committees.
• End of the month: Refers to the conclusion, after 29 or 30 days.
  • Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the Islamic calendar month of Ramadan.

Noun

1. any lunar month in the Muslim calendar