Islamic Calendar vs. Gregorian Calendar: Why Ramadan Changes Date Every Year

The Islamic calendar and the Gregorian calendar follow two entirely different systems. One is based on the cycles of the moon, while the other follows the sun. This difference impacts everything from religious observances to how dates shift each year.

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1. Islamic Calendar vs. Gregorian Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar made up of 12 months. However, each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This means months can have either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s visibility. As a result, an Islamic year lasts about 354 or 355 days, making it around 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, is a solar calendar. It is also made up of 12 months, but each month follows a fixed number of days, with leap years adjusting for seasonal shifts. The total length of a solar year is 365.24 days, keeping it aligned with Earth’s movement around the sun.

Because the Islamic year is shorter, its months gradually move through the Gregorian calendar. This explains why Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha occur on different dates each year. Over time, they cycle through all seasons over a 33-year period.

2. Why Ramadan Moves Every Year

Many people wonder why Ramadan never has a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar. The reason lies in the difference between the lunar and solar years.

Each year, the Islamic calendar is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This means that every Islamic month moves backward by 10 to 12 days in the Gregorian calendar. Over a period of 33 years, Ramadan will have traveled through all four seasons.

For example, in 2024, Ramadan began in March, during the cooler months in the UAE. However, as the years progress, it will gradually shift into warmer months. Eventually, it will fall in July or August, making fasting during long summer days more challenging.

Historical Examples of Ramadan Dates

• 2000: Ramadan began on November 27
• 2010: Ramadan began on August 11
• 2020: Ramadan began on April 24
• 2030: Ramadan will begin on January 6 (and again on December 27)

Because of this shift, Islamic observances like Eid Al Fitr and Hajj also do not have fixed dates in the Gregorian calendar.

Read more: Moon sighting in UAE.

3. The Role of Moon Sighting in the Islamic Calendar

One of the biggest reasons why Islamic dates differ across countries is moon sighting. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, where months start on fixed dates, Islamic months only begin when the crescent moon is visible.

Why Does Moon Sighting Cause Differences?

Moon visibility depends on:

• Geographical location – Some countries may see the crescent moon before others.
• Weather conditions – Cloudy skies can obscure the moon, delaying official confirmation.
• Astronomical calculations vs. actual sightings – Some Islamic scholars accept scientific calculations, while others rely solely on physical moon sighting.

Because of these factors, Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha sometimes start on different days in different countries. For example, the UAE moon sighting committee announces the start of Ramadan based on local moon sightings. Meanwhile, some countries like Turkey follow pre-calculated lunar calendars.

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4. Months of the Islamic Calendar and Their Importance

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, each with religious and historical significance. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, Islamic months do not have fixed lengths. Each month starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon.

List of Islamic Months

1. Muharram – One of the four sacred months in Islam
2. Safar – Historically linked to pre-Islamic battles
3. Rabi’ Al Awwal – The month when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born
4. Rabi’ Al Thani – Known for early Islamic expansion
5. Jumada Al Awwal – A month of historical Islamic battles
6. Jumada Al Thani – Continuation of Islamic history and events
7. Rajab – A sacred month, important for religious observances
8. Sha’ban – A preparation month before Ramadan
9. Ramadan – The month of fasting, prayer, and Quran revelation
10. Shawwal – The month of Eid Al Fitr celebrations
11. Dhu Al-Qa’dah – A sacred month often used for Hajj preparation
12. Dhu Al-Hijjah – The month of Hajj and Eid Al Adha

These months determine the timing of religious observances and events worldwide.

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5. How Ramadan Dates Are Confirmed in the UAE

In the UAE, Ramadan does not start until the crescent moon is officially sighted. The UAE moon sighting committee, which operates under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), plays a crucial role in confirming the beginning and end of Ramadan each year.

Process of Moon Sighting in the UAE

1. Astronomical Calculations – Experts predict the likely date of the crescent moon’s appearance.
2. Official Moon Sighting – Scholars and religious leaders observe the sky after Maghrib prayers on the 29th night of Sha’ban.
3. Confirmation & Public Announcement – If the moon is sighted, Ramadan starts the next day. If not, the month completes 30 days, and Ramadan begins after.
4. Eid Al Fitr Declaration – The same process is repeated at the end of Ramadan to confirm Eid Al Fitr.

This process ensures accuracy in determining Islamic calendar dates while also aligning with scientific advancements.

6. When Will Ramadan Start in 2025?

For 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1. However, the official date depends on moon sighting. The UAE’s moon sighting committee will confirm the exact start date closer to the time.

Projected Ramadan Dates for the Next Few Years

Since the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan will continue to shift earlier each year. By 2030, it will fall twice—once in January and again in December.

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7. Result of Islamic and Gregorian Calendar Differences

As the Islamic calendar continues to shift, religious observances like Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Hajj will occur in different seasons over time.

Key Impacts of the Calendar Shift

• Ramadan in Different Seasons – Over the next decades, fasting will shift from short winter days to long summer days.
• Hajj During Peak Heat – In the coming years, Hajj will move into the hottest summer months, making the pilgrimage physically demanding.
• Work and School Adjustments – As Islamic dates change, many countries, including the UAE, adapt work and school schedules to accommodate religious observances.

While the Gregorian calendar remains fixed, the Islamic calendar will always be dynamic, following the moon’s cycles. Understanding this shift helps in planning ahead for future Ramadan observances.

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8. Impact of the Islamic Calendar on Daily Life

The Islamic calendar plays a key role in the lives of millions of Muslims worldwide. It determines the timing of religious observances, sets important historical anniversaries, and affects work schedules, travel, and financial planning in Islamic nations.

Key Areas Where the Islamic Calendar is Used

• Religious Observances – All major Islamic events, including Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and Hajj, are determined by the lunar calendar.
• Business and Finance – Some Islamic banking systems follow the Hijri calendar for financial transactions and zakat calculations.
• Personal Milestones – Age, anniversaries, and birthdays in some Islamic cultures are tracked using the lunar calendar.
• Government Policies – Many Islamic nations, including the UAE, use the Islamic calendar to determine official holidays.

As the Islamic months continue to shift, it is important to stay informed about upcoming dates. Whether planning for Ramadan fasting, Eid celebrations, or other significant events, the Islamic calendar remains a vital part of daily life in many regions.

Note: Read our exclusive blog on Rules for Outdoor Eating During Ramadan

FAQs on Islamic Calendar and Gregorian Calendar

How does the Islamic calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar?

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, while the Gregorian calendar follows the solar cycle. The Islamic year consists of 12 months, but since each month lasts 29 or 30 days, the total year is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This causes Islamic dates to shift backward in the Gregorian calendar each year. Over a 33-year period, Islamic months move through all seasons.

Is the Islamic calendar more accurate?

The Islamic calendar is precise for religious purposes, as it follows the moon's natural cycle. However, because it does not align with the solar year, it does not match the Earth's seasons consistently. The Gregorian calendar, designed to keep the seasons in place, is more accurate for civil use. The tabular Islamic calendar, a fixed version of the lunar calendar, is accurate to one day in approximately 2,500 solar years.

Do Muslims use the Gregorian calendar?

Most Muslim-majority countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes, such as government records, school schedules, and daily life. However, the Islamic calendar is used for religious observances, including Ramadan, Eid celebrations, and Hajj. In countries like Saudi Arabia, the Islamic calendar is used more widely for official matters.

Which calendar is the most accurate?

The Persian calendar is considered one of the most accurate in the world, with an error of less than one second per year. It follows a solar cycle, making it more precise for keeping track of the seasons. The Gregorian calendar also remains highly accurate for general use. The Islamic calendar, while accurate for religious observances, does not align with the solar year.

Why is it 1446 in Islam?

The Islamic year 1446 corresponds to the number of years since the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, known as the Hijrah. This event marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Since the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian year, the difference between the two calendars continues to grow over time.

Which countries don’t use the Gregorian calendar?

While most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, some countries still use different calendar systems for religious or civil purposes. Countries that do not fully adopt the Gregorian calendar include:

• Ethiopia – Uses the Ethiopian calendar
• Iran – Follows the Solar Hijri calendar
• Afghanistan – Uses the Solar Hijri calendar
• Nepal – Uses the Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat calendars

These calendars have different structures and year lengths compared to the Gregorian calendar.

Note: Read our exclusive blog on Ramadan 2025: Reduced Office Timings

What are the months of the Islamic calendar?

The Islamic calendar has 12 months:

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi’ Al Awwal
4. Rabi’ Al Thani
5. Jumada Al Awwal
6. Jumada Al Thani
7. Rajab
8. Sha’ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhu Al-Qa’dah
12. Dhu Al-Hijjah

Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon, making the calendar unique and variable.

How many days are in one Islamic year?

An Islamic year has either 354 or 355 days, depending on the length of the months. Since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, each month alternates between 29 and 30 days. A leap year in the Islamic calendar adds an extra day, making the year 355 days long.

How does Ramadan move in the Gregorian calendar?

Since the Islamic year is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan moves backward in the Gregorian calendar each year. Over a span of 33 years, Ramadan will occur in all four seasons.

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When will Ramadan start in 2025?

Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on March 1, following the sighting of the crescent moon. However, the exact date will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon sighting committee.

How does the UAE confirm the start of Ramadan?

The UAE follows a structured process to confirm the beginning of Ramadan. The moon sighting committee observes the sky after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban. If the crescent moon is visible, Ramadan starts the next day. If not, Sha’ban completes 30 days, and Ramadan starts after.

What are the major Islamic holidays?

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change every year. The most significant ones include:

How does moon sighting affect Islamic dates?

Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This means that Islamic dates may differ between countries depending on when the moon is seen. Some nations follow astronomical calculations, while others rely on physical moon sightings. This is why Ramadan and Eid may start on different days in different regions.

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Why do some Islamic dates vary between countries?

The variation in Islamic dates is due to differences in moon sighting. Factors that influence moon visibility include:

• Geographical location – Some regions see the moon earlier than others.
• Weather conditions – Cloud cover can delay moon sightings.
• Religious rulings – Some scholars accept astronomical calculations, while others require physical sightings.

These differences can lead to slight variations in the start of Ramadan, Eid, and other religious events.

What is the role of the UAE’s moon sighting committee?

The UAE’s moon sighting committee is responsible for confirming the start of Islamic months. The committee follows a strict process:

1. Observing the crescent moon – Scholars and officials monitor the sky after Maghrib prayers.
2. Verifying the sighting – If the moon is seen, the new month begins.
3. Making a public announcement – The official date is declared through government channels.

This process ensures consistency and accuracy in Islamic observances across the UAE.

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