📅 Hijri vs Umm al-Qura Calendar – What’s the Difference?
You’ve seen both used for Islamic dates. But why are there two calendars, and which one should you follow? Here’s everything you need to know.
1. What is the Hijri Calendar?
The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar based on moon sighting. Each month begins when the crescent moon is sighted. It’s traditionally used for religious occasions like Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid, and the exact date can vary by region.
2. What is the Umm al-Qura Calendar?
The Umm al-Qura calendar is a pre-calculated astronomical calendar used officially by the Saudi government. It’s based on astronomical data rather than physical moon sighting and is used for civil purposes and planning.
3. Do the Dates Always Match?
Not always. Since the Hijri calendar relies on visual sighting, and Umm al-Qura uses calculations, the dates may differ by a day. That’s why some countries start Ramadan or Eid on slightly different days.
4. Which One Should You Use?
For religious observance, follow your local moon sighting authority or official Islamic council. For planning and apps, Umm al-Qura is convenient and consistent. Both serve valuable but different purposes.
5. Helpful Links
- Check the current Hijri Calendar.
- Convert dates using our Hijri-Gregorian Converter.
- Discover more Islamic Tools.
🕊️ Summary: The Hijri and Umm al-Qura calendars each have a role: one rooted in tradition, the other in modern precision. Use them wisely based on your needs.