Hijri and Solar Year: Two Systems of Time Explained Simply
Time is the most valuable asset in human life. We measure our entire existence in days, months, and years—but rarely stop to ask a simple question: how are years actually formed?
Across the world, two major systems are used to measure time: the Hijri (Islamic) year and the Solar (Gregorian) year. Both serve the same purpose—tracking time—but their foundation, philosophy, and usage are very different.
This blog explains, in a clear and natural way, what the Hijri and Solar years are, how they differ, their importance in Islam, and how they affect our daily lives.
Humanity’s Effort to Measure Time
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have tried to understand and organize time. Nature itself became the first calendar:
- Sunrise and sunset marked days
- The waxing and waning of the moon marked months
- Seasonal changes marked years
Islam adopted a pure lunar (Hijri) calendar, while most of the modern world follows a solar calendar.
What Is the Hijri Year?
The Hijri year is based on the movement of the moon. When the moon completes one full cycle around the Earth, it forms one lunar month. Twelve lunar months make one Hijri year.
Duration and Origin
One lunar month consists of 29 or 30 days, making the total Hijri year 354 or 355 days long. This means the Hijri year is approximately 10–11 days shorter than the solar year.
The Hijri calendar began with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah. This historic decision was officially adopted during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA). It is not linked to a king or empire, but to sacrifice, struggle, and faith.
The 12 Hijri Months
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabiʿ al-Awwal
- Rabiʿ al-Thani
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani
- Rajab
- Shaʿban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhul-Qaʿdah
- Dhul-Hijjah
What Is the Solar Year?
The solar year is based on the Earth’s revolution around the sun. A normal year is 365 days, while a leap year is 366 days.
This system, primarily the Gregorian Calendar, is used worldwide for government affairs, education, jobs, and international communication.
Hijri vs Solar: Key Differences
| Aspect | Hijri Year | Solar Year |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Moon | Sun |
| Total Days | 354 or 355 | 365 or 366 |
| Months | 12 Lunar | 12 Solar |
| Primary Use | Islamic Worship | Worldly Affairs |
| Seasons | Changes Yearly | Mostly Fixed |
Why Does Ramadan Change Every Year?
This is one of the most common questions. The reason is simple: The Hijri year is shorter than the solar year.
Because of this difference, Islamic months move about 10–11 days earlier each solar year. As a result, Ramadan rotates through all the seasons over a 33-year cycle. This ensures that Muslims worldwide experience fasting in both long summer days and short winter days, making the religion fair and practical for all.
Importance in Islam
Islamic worship is directly tied to the Hijri calendar, including Fasting (Ramadan), Hajj, and the two Eids.
Important Note on Zakat
Zakat is obligatory based on the Hijri year. Because the Hijri year is shorter, the Zakat period arrives sooner than in the solar calendar. Calculating Zakat based on the solar year often results in underpayment over time. Scholars strongly emphasize using the Hijri calendar for accurate financial worship.
How Can Both Systems Work Together?
A wise Muslim uses the solar calendar for daily life (work, school schedules) but strictly follows the Hijri calendar for religious duties. Islam is a balanced religion that allows us to engage with the modern world without losing our spiritual foundation.
Moving Away from the Hijri Calendar: A Hidden Loss
Sadly, many Muslims today forget Islamic months and lose track of the Hijri year. This disconnects us from Islamic history. The Hijri calendar reminds us of sacrifice, patience, and obedience. Forgetting it weakens our Islamic identity.
Conclusion
The difference between Hijri and Solar years is not just mathematical—it is ideological. The Solar year represents worldly organization, while the Hijri year represents spiritual consciousness. A true Muslim understands both systems, uses each in its proper place, and preserves their Islamic identity in a modern world.