The Best of Times:Virtues and Significance of Important Days, Nights, Months and Festivals in Islam, by Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad

The Islamic Calendar, known as the Hijri Calendar, was formulated during the glorious reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (583–643 CE). It is called the Hijri Calendar because it begins with the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) historical migration (hijrah) from his native Makkah to the nearby oasis of Madinah in 622 CE.

Like the Gregorian Calendar, the Islamic Calendar consists of twelve months, namely Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Ukhra, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah and Dhul Hijjah, but unlike the Gregorian Calendar (which is based on the cycle of the sun), the Hijri Calendar is a Lunar Calendar (based on the rotation of the moon).

Although historically the Hijri Calendar had played an important role in the determination and performance of fundamental Islamic obligations (for example, fasting of Ramadan, Eid, Hajj etc), and has traditionally been used widely in Muslim cultures and societies, unfortunately during the twentieth century it became increasingly sidelined in several Muslim countries (such as Turkey and Iran).

At a time when the Muslims around the world are becoming detached from one of Islam’s foremost cultural institutions, the need to revive and popularise the use of the Hijri Calendar could not have been more important. It was therefore most heartening for me to learn that Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad, whom I have known for many years, had written a book on this important subject.

And although it is true that there are a number of books already available in English on the meaning and importance of the Islamic Calendar such as Muhammad Taqi Usmani’s Islamic Months: Merits and Precepts and Abdul Kareem Gumthalvi’s The Twelve Islamic Months, in my opinion, the book under review is the most thoroughly researched and authentic I have come across on the subject.

In the first section of the book, the learned author not only traces the origin and development of the Hijri Calendar, he also explains its meaning and significance for the benefit of those not familiar with the history of the Islamic Calendar. Then, in pages 5 to 38, he highlights the specific acts of worship and other devotional practices which the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and mercy be on him, regularly performed or encouraged his companions (Sahabah) to perform. Thereafter, in pages 39 to 61, the author explains the importance of a number of other Islamic obligations such as Yawm al-Jumu’ah (Friday), the benefits of performing regular Nafl (optional/voluntary) worship as well as rites of passage like birth, marriage and death. Even if these actions and deeds are not specifically related to the Islamic calendar, the fact that the principles underpinning these practices are being increasingly forgotten in most contemporary Muslim cultures and societies means it is all the more important to emphasis their significance.

The book also contains a useful glossary but it does not have a bibliography, perhaps to reduce the size of the work. Overall, this is a very important and valuable little book. It is well researched, very authentic and has been written in very simple English; thus I have no hesitation in recommending it to all the readers.

Although the publishers distribute the book free of charge, I think it should also be made available in Islamic bookshops, mosques and community centres throughout this country and abroad. I pray to the Most Merciful to reward the author for his invaluable contribution and we hope that he continues to write other similar works in the future.

“The Best of Times in Islam“ is available from the publishers. For more details about where this book can be obtained, please email Islamic Times on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it