Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, DPA, JD, Sh.L
MSU, Marawi City, June 27, 2025– In a recent insightful program on ShuaraMSU, Alim Ihsan Manaol, a distinguished Faculty member of the King Faisal Center for Islamic Arabic and Asian Studies, delved into the profound significance of the Hijra Calendar, shedding light on its unique characteristics and enduring relevance for Muslims worldwide. Manaol emphasized that the Hijra Calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar which is based on the sun’s cycle and the moon’s phases, is a purely lunar calendar. This means its months, alternating between 29 and 30 days, are determined solely by the sighting of the new crescent moon. This fundamental difference leads to the Hijra year being approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year, causing Islamic dates and observances to gradually shift across the Gregorian calendar and seasons over time.
A crucial point highlighted by Manaol was the historical genesis of the Hijra Calendar. It was not, as some might assume, established at the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Instead, its epochal starting point is the Hijra itself – the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina. This pivotal event, marking a turning point in Islamic history, signified a time when the Muslim community gained the clarity to discern between good and bad, establishing a new order.
Manaol further explained the concept of “sacred months” within the Hijra Calendar. He noted that certain months, specifically Dhul qe’dah, Dhul Hijja, Rajab and Muharram, are traditionally designated as periods where conflict should be avoided in the Arab world, promoting peace and reflection. However, he clarified that this does not negate the right to self-defense, citing historical instances where Muslims, like in Iran, have rightfully stood their ground when their existence was threatened.
The practical applications of the Hijra Calendar in Islamic law and daily life were also underscored. Manaol provided examples such as the calculation of the ‘Idda (the waiting period for a woman after divorce or widowhood), which is meticulously based on lunar cycles and specific events. Similarly, the duration of contracts in Islamic dealings is often tied to the Hijra dates, reflecting its integral role in Muslim jurisprudence.
A common query among Muslims, particularly observed in the Philippines, revolves around the differing dates of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Manaol clarified this by explaining that while Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is determined by local moon sightings (as the performance of Ramadan fasting is a local act), Eid al-Adha is intrinsically linked to the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage. Since Hajj culminates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the timing of Eid al-Adha globally is aligned with the sighting of the moon there, ensuring a unified celebration for pilgrims and Muslims worldwide participating in the rites of sacrifice. Manaol’s discussion provided a comprehensive understanding of the Hijra Calendar, from its historical roots and religious significance to its practical implications in contemporary Muslim life, emphasizing its role in maintaining cultural identity and adherence to Islamic principles.
