Most-asked question

Should Muslims follow the Hijri calendar?

28 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 4 South African Darul Iftas (Ask Imaam, Mufti Online, Azaadville, Ibn Masood). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“It is permissible to fast on the last and first day of the Islamic year. The Hadith explains that besides five days of the year, fasting throughout the year is permissible. However, we have not come across any of the authentic Ahaadith that fasting on the last and first day of the Islamic year is a sunnah practice.”

Mufti Online — Fasting on the last and first day of the hijri year · 15 Sep 2019

“For the past 1,400 years, it’s the Ijma (consensus) of all four Madhahib that the birth of a new moon according to astronomical calculation is not the determining factor for commencement of a new Islamic month, but the actual sighting of the crescent is the determining factor.”

Azaadville — The Usage Of Astronomical Calculations To Establish The Dawning Of An Islamic Month · 15 Sep 2026

“There are many divine laws based on the lunar calendar. For example, Ramadan is in the ninth month of the lunar calendar and Dhul Hijjah is in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Allah Ta'ala also indicates towards the Islamic Calendar in the Quran:”

Ask Imaam — Lunar Calendar in Islam · 4 Oct 2013

“Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Whoever licks honey three mornings every month, will not suffer a major calamity.” [Ibn Majah – Hadith no. 3450]”

Ibn Masood — Licking honey at the beginning of every Islamic month · 25 Apr 2023

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. The Usage Of Astronomical Calculations To Establish The Dawning Of An Islamic MonthAzaadville · 15 Sep 2026
  2. Licking honey at the beginning of every Islamic monthIbn Masood · 25 Apr 2023
  3. I heard it is bad to move homes in these Islamic months. Is this correct?Ask Imaam · 15 Feb 2022
  4. Fasting on the last and first day of the hijri yearMufti Online · 15 Sep 2019
  5. Scientific/Pre-calculated Islamic CalendarsAzaadville · 1 Sep 2025
  6. Can one recite the Dua of siting a moon in a non-Islamic month?Ask Imaam · 13 Apr 2018
  7. Calculating the age of an animal for qurbaani according to the Islamic dateMufti Online · 4 Sep 2021
  8. Authenticity Of A Dua Read At The Beginning Of A New Islamic YearAzaadville · 6 Oct 2021
  9. Lunar Calendar in IslamAsk Imaam · 4 Oct 2013
  10. Fasting on the 13th, 14th and 15th of every lunar monthMufti Online · 4 Jun 2020
  11. Please tell me sunnah of nafal roza. Is it on monday thursday .. some say 13th 14h 15th of islamic month.Ask Imaam · 11 Dec 2007
  12. Origin of the Islamic monthsMufti Online · 24 Feb 2018
  13. Why it is considered Fardh-e-Kifaya to know the date based on Hijri Calendar?Ask Imaam · 27 Oct 2005
  14. Using the Islamic dateMufti Online · 13 Nov 2016
  15. Celebrating GIYARAWEEN SHARIF on 11 th of every Islamic month related to PEER ABDUL QADIR GILANI.Ask Imaam · 1 Sep 2005

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