muslim calendar

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Explanation of "Muslim Calendar"

Definition: The "Muslim calendar" is a calendar system used by Muslims around the world. It is based on the moon's cycles (this is called a lunar calendar) and is different from the solar calendar that many people use every day, like the one in the United States and many other countries. The Muslim calendar began in 622 AD, which is the year when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina; this event is known as the Hegira. Because the Muslim calendar is lunar, its months are shorter than those in the solar calendar, which means that the dates move backward through the solar year every year. This cycle repeats every 32 years.

Usage Instructions

• Use "Muslim calendar" when talking about the dates and months that Muslims follow.
• It is often used in discussions about Islamic holidays, events, or cultural practices.

Example

• "Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims, is determined by the Muslim calendar, so its start date changes each year."

Advanced Usage

• In more advanced discussions, you might refer to how the Muslim calendar affects the timing of religious practices, such as Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), which takes place during specific months of the Muslim calendar.

Word Variants

• Islamic Calendar: This term can also be used interchangeably with "Muslim calendar."
• Lunar Calendar: This refers to any calendar based on the moon's cycles, not just the Muslim calendar.

Different Meaning

The term "calendar" by itself can refer to any system for organizing days and months, such as the Gregorian calendar (the most widely used calendar today). However, the "Muslim calendar" specifically refers to the lunar calendar used by Muslims.

Synonyms

• Islamic calendar
• Hijri calendar (another name referring to the events starting from the Hegira)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to the "Muslim calendar," you might encounter phrases like: - "Mark your calendar" - which means to remember a specific date. - "On the same page" - while not specifically about calendars, it relates to being in agreement about timing or planning events.

Summary

The Muslim calendar is an important system for Muslims that helps them determine the timing of religious observances and holidays. It is based on lunar cycles and differs from the solar calendar most people use daily.

Academic

Noun

1. the lunar calendar used by Muslims; dates from 622 AD (the year of the Hegira); the beginning of the Muslim year retrogresses through the solar year completing the cycle every 32 years

Synonyms

• Islamic calendar
• Muhammadan calendar
• Mohammedan calendar
• Moslem calendar
• Muslim calendar