Hijri Date Converter (UAE, 2025): Lunar Calendar Basics + Free Converter
Learn how the Islamic lunar calendar works, why dates can vary by country due to local moon‑sighting, and how to convert between Gregorian and Hijri accurately. Use our free converter for quick lookups.
Updated: Oct 27, 2025 · 7 min read · By ADAD Team
Quick summary
- Lunar calendar: 12 months, 29–30 days each, based on moon‑sighting.
- Local sighting: Countries may declare the start/end of months differently.
- Tool: Use the Hijri Date Converter for quick conversion.
How the Hijri calendar works
The Islamic calendar is lunar: months begin with the sighting of the new crescent. Over time, it shifts relative to the solar Gregorian calendar. Religious dates (e.g., Ramadan, Eid) depend on local announcements.
Why dates can vary by country
Some authorities follow local physical sighting; others accept regional or astronomical criteria. This can shift dates by a day compared to other countries. Always follow official announcements in your location.
Converter usage tips
- Use the converter for planning, but defer to local announcements for religious observances.
- Be aware of the 1‑day variance across regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Hijri calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar?
The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is a purely lunar calendar with 12 months of 29 or 30 days, totaling approximately 354 days per year. This is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar (365 days). As a result, Islamic dates shift earlier by roughly 11 days each Gregorian year. This is why Ramadan, for example, occurs in different seasons over a 33-year cycle.
Why do Hijri dates sometimes differ between countries?
Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Different countries may sight the moon on different days due to weather, geography, or differing criteria for moon visibility. Saudi Arabia's Umm al-Qura calendar uses calculated astronomical data, while some countries rely on actual local moon sighting. The UAE typically follows Saudi Arabia's announcements for major religious dates.
What is the current Hijri year in 2025?
The Gregorian year 2025 corresponds to Hijri years 1446 and 1447. The Islamic New Year 1447 begins around late June or early July 2025 (the exact date depends on moon sighting). The Hijri calendar started in 622 CE when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Mecca to Medina.
How accurate are Hijri date converters?
Mathematical converters are highly accurate for historical and future dates based on astronomical calculations. However, for the current month, actual dates may differ by 1-2 days due to moon sighting variations. For important religious observances (Ramadan start, Eid), always follow official announcements from your local Islamic authority rather than calculated dates.
What are the names of the 12 Hijri months?
The Hijri months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. Ramadan (9th month) is the fasting month, Shawwal begins with Eid al-Fitr, and Dhu al-Hijjah (12th month) contains Eid al-Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage.
When is Ramadan 2025 in the UAE?
Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin around February 28 or March 1, 2025, and end around March 29-30, 2025, with Eid al-Fitr following immediately. The exact dates will be confirmed by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee a day or two before. Our Hijri converter provides calculated estimates, but always check official UAE announcements.
How do I find my Hijri birthday?
Enter your Gregorian birthdate into our Hijri converter to find the corresponding Hijri date. Note that your Hijri birthday falls on a different Gregorian date each year (shifting about 11 days earlier annually). Some Muslims celebrate their Hijri birthday, especially for significant ages or milestones.
Hijri dates drift earlier ~10-11 days each solar year relative to Gregorian. This is normal for a lunar calendar.