In the Muslim world, the Hijri calendar—also referred to as the Islamic calendar—is highly significant. It regulates the timing of important religious occasions, such as the Hajj and Umrah, and is based on the lunar cycle. The calendar's origins can be found in the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) historical journey, known as the Hijrah, which took place in 622 CE and marked the start of Islamic civilization.
This calendar is more than just a way to record days; it is a spiritual guide that links Muslims to significant occasions, customs, and their rich religious past. The Hijri calendardesignates numerous religious observances, but Umrah, sometimes known as the "lesser pilgrimage," is one of the most important.
The Hijri Calendar's Organization and Significance
The entire year is around 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian (solar) calendar according to the Hijri calendar, which is based on the changing phases of the moon. These phases are divided into twelve months, each lasting 29 to 30 days. The Hijri calendar is important for more reasons than just telling time; it is important to the Islamic lifestyle, regulating religious observances, fasting, and pilgrimages. The months of the Islamic calendar and their significance are examined below:
- Muharram: Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar. It is defined by the holy character of fasting and celebration of the Karbala Battle, which is significant in Muslim history.
- Safar: Although there are no official traditions during the second month of Safar, Muslims have historically used this time to pray and perform acts of kindness.
- Rabi' al-Awwal:According to Islamic tradition, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) happens in the third month.
- Jumada al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, and Rabi' al-Thani: These are months of everyday life absent of any significant events.
- Rajab: One of the four holy months in Islam, the seventh month is especially connected to the Isra and Mi'raj (the Prophet Muhammad's night journey).
- Sha'ban: Sha'ban, which comes before Ramadan, is regarded as a period of getting ready for the fasting season.
- Ramadan: The ninth and holiest month is when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a means of spiritual purification and worship. Moreover, the Qur'an was revealed at that time.
- Shawwal: Muslims offer the Eid al-Fitr prayers during this month, which comes after Ramadan. It is also one of the months when going on the Umrah journey is recommended.
- Dhul-Qa'dah: Another holy month, Dhul-Qa'dah, is when fighting is not allowed and travellers start to head to Makkah in order to prepare for the Hajj.
- Dhul-Hijjah:The month of Hajj, the major journey that Muslims must make once in their lifetime, comes in the twelfth month. This month is also suitable for performing Umrah.
The Umrah Journey and the Hijri Calendar
The time of Umrah and Hajj is decided mostly by the Hijri calendar. Like Hajj, which has set dates during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. But there are extra rewards for Umrah performers during other months, like as Ramadan. It is highly advised to perform Umrah during this holy month as it is thought to be similar to performing Hajj and multiplies the spiritual reward; still, it does not take the place of the Hajj requirement.
The Hijri calendar informs faithful Muslims of the moon cycles that regulate their religious obligations. Umrah is a non-obligatory journey that provides spiritual renewal and cleansing; so, the months and their spiritual importance are frequently carefully considered while planning the trip. Because Umrah is flexible, pilgrims can choose dates that fit both their personal schedules and their religious beliefs; knowing the Hijri calendar is essential in this regard.
The role of the Hijri calendar in the Umrah journey
Umrah tour package are frequently designed around the most important months of the Islamic year, given the spiritual significance of the Hijri calendar. In order to provide travellers with a smooth and satisfying experience, top tour company create packages that meet the increased number of travellers during Ramadan and the months leading up to and following the Hajj.
The following are some ways that knowing the Hijri calendar can help in Umrah tour planning:
- Flexible Packages:Because Umrah can be done at any time of year, travellers can select their own dates with travel companies’ flexible packages. This is especially true during holy months like Rajab and Ramadan.
- Unique Ramadan Umrah Package: Best tour operator provide unique packages for pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah during this spiritually significant period, in light of the increasing demand during Ramadan.
- Budget considerations:The cost of tour package varies greatly based on the season. A thorough understanding of the Hijri calendar allows potential pilgrims to choose off-peak periods when costs for lodging and transportation may be reduced.
Conclusion
The Hijri calendar is much more than a time management device; it is a spiritual roadmap that regulates the timing of Islamic prayer, including the Umrah. Muslims can improve their Umrah experience by knowing the meaning of the months and how they relate to important Islamic events.