As 2026 draws to a close, Muslims are now eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Ramadan holy month for 2027.
According to astronomical calculations, the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on Monday, February 8, 2027, while Eid al-Fitr is projected to fall on Wednesday, March 10, 2027.
These dates are based on astronomical calculations; the official start of the holy month and the date of Eid al-Fitr will be confirmed following the traditional sighting of the crescent moon.
What is the Hijri calendar?
The Hijri calendar is based on the moon’s orbit around the Earth; the beginning and end of each month are determined by the moon’s movement. The time it takes for the moon to complete one full orbit around the Earth is known as a lunar month.
The Hijri calendar consists of 12 months, beginning with Muharram and ending with Dhu al-Hijjah. These months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Hijri calendar—also known as the Islamic or lunar calendar—is associated with the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab.
He designated the migration (hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina as the starting point for the Islamic dating system, which took place in the year 622 CE.
It is from this event that the calendar derives its name, the “Hijri calendar.”
