Introduction:
The Islamic calendar plays a vital role in Muslims’ cultural and spiritual life worldwide. It is based on the lunar cycle, and each month marks an important religious and communal event.
As 2025 is about to begin, it is essential for Muslims to be familiar with the Islamic calendar. This involves understanding the significance of months to plan religious events more timely.
This article will guide you through the 2025 Islamic calendar, including the important dates, events, and their cultural impact in Pakistan.
What is the Islamic Calendar?
The Islamic calendar, Hijri calendar, or lunar calendar is based on the moon’s phases. The Islamic month starts with the sighting of the new moon. Umar Ibn Al-Khattab developed this calendar in 638 AD after the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina.
The Islamic calendar is almost 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This makes the Islamic year slightly earlier every year. It is also based on 12 months, including the sacred periods of Ramazan, Zhul-Hajj , and Muharram.
Significance of the Islamic Calendar in Pakistan
Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, where the Islamic calendar is aligned with the Gregorian one to observe important Islamic events. These include Ramazan , Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha.
All of these are planned and celebrated according to the moon sighting in Pakistan. Though the business cycle runs on a Gregorian calendar, Islamic events are celebrated according to the Islamic calendar.
What is the role of the Ruet-e-Hilal committee?
Pakistan Ruet-e-Hilal committee helps in moon sightings by confirming dates of religious events like Ramazan and Eid. The 2025 Islamic calendar will confirm Pakistan’s religious events, activities, and public holidays.
Islamic Months and Key Events in the Islamic Calendar 2025
Muharram
The first month of the Islamic calendar is Muharram. It is an Arabic word that means “Forbidden.” Muharram is one of the most sacred months in Islam, which prohibits violence.
The 10th day of Muharram is called Ashura Day. Muslims in Pakistan commemorate this day as Imam Hussain’s (A.S) martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala. They spend the day remembering the selfless sacrifice by praying and even fasting. According to the Islamic calendar 2025, Ashura will fall on Saturday 05, July.
Safar
Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of reflection and patience for Muslims. They pray for protection from calamities during this month. The month is known as CHEHLUM (Arbaeen), which falls on the 20th.
What is chehlum?
Chehlum (Arbaeen) is the 40th day of Imam Hussain’s (A.S) and his companions’ martyrdom. It is observed on the 20th of Safar in remembrance of the Battle of Karbala.
Rabi al-Awwal
The third month of the Islamic calendar is Rabi Al-Awwal. It is one of the most joyous months of the Islamic calendar. Pakistanis celebrate with great happiness by praying and setting up decorations.
12th marks the most significant event of this month, as it is the birth date of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims pray, recite the Quran, and arrange gatherings in remembrance of the Holy Prophet’s life. This blissful event is expected to fall on Friday 05, September.
Rabi al-Sani
Rabi al-Sani is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar. It means “second spring.” This month is also known as Rabi al-Akhir.
It is a period of mourning for Muslims as the 10th/12th of this month marks the death of Fatima Bint Musa, the daughter of the 12th Imam Musa Khadim. Besides, the 11th Rabi al-Thani is also the death anniversary of Abdul-Qadir Gillani.
Jumada al-Awwal
This is the fifth month of the Islamic calendar. It is significant as it used to be the first month of summer before Islam. It is known for the following events;
- Zainab Bint Ali (S.A) was born on the 5th of this month. She was known for her bravery and dignity in Islam.
- Imam Zain ul Abideen (A.S), son of Imam Hussain (A.S), was born on the 15th of this month. He is the fourth Imam of Shia Muslims.
Jumada al-Sani
It is the sixth month of the Islamic year. It is important for Muslims as it brings happiness and celebration along with sadness and mourning.
Muslims remember the life and teaching of Hazrat Fatima (S.A) on the 3rd of this month. She was the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Khadija (A.S).
Similarly, the 20th is celebrated for the birth of Hazrat Fatima (S.A). Moreover, the 22nd of Jumada Al-Thani, when Prophet Muhammad’s closest friend and the first caliph of Islam met his Creator.
Rajab
The seventh month of the Islamic calendar is Rajab. It is one of the four sacred months of the Islamic year. In this month, Allah guided Muslims to avoid violence and conflict.
The Creator calls this month as “Allah’s month.” Muslims engage in several religious activities to make the most of this month. This month holds significant importance for Muslims due to the following events;
13 Rajab, Birthday of Hazrat Ali
Hazrat Ali (A.S) was the first child to accept Islam. He was the son of Prophet’s uncle Abu-Talib and husband of his beloved daughter Hazrat Fatima (S.A). Hazrat Ali (A.S) was born on the 13th of this month.
15 Rajab, death of Lady Zainab
Hazrat Zainab (S.A) died on the 15th of Rajab. She was known for her bravery and steadfastness in the Battle of Karbala.
Lailat al-Mi’raj: The Night Journey
It is the night when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to heaven. This night is a time to remember the incredible journey and seek blessings.
People usually fast, pray, and distribute food among the needy. The night falls on the 27th of Rajab. According to the Islamic calendar 2025, it is expected to occur on Monday 27th, January.
Sha’ban
It is the eighth month of the Islamic year. It is essential as it preceded Ramazan – the month of fasting.
During this month, Muslims start preparation for Ramazan . Allah declared it as the month of “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is also renowned for the Night of Forgiveness.
Lailat al-Barat: The Night of Forgiveness
Lailat Al-Barat is also known as the Night of Forgiveness. It comes as a chance for Muslims to reflect on their life and seek forgiveness from Allah. The night falls on the 15th Shaban. In 2025, we can anticipate Lailat Al-Barat on Friday 14, February.
Ramazan
The 9th month of the Islamic calendar is Ramazan . Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting during Ramzan is mandatory for all eligible Muslims. Muslims worldwide fast from dawn till dusk this month.
However, fasting is not mandatory for ill, pregnant, nursing, and traveling people. They can reclaim their hearts by worshipping Allah. Other than physical growth, this month is about spiritual development.
This month builds a strong connection with the creator. The nights of this month are filled with tarawih and community prayers. Muslims seek blessings, forgiveness, and protection from hellfire in this month.
When is Ramazan in 2025 in Pakistan?
The blissful month of Ramazan is expected on 1st March 2025, according to the Islamic calendar. It will end around 31st March 2025. However, the dates may vary because it depends upon the moon sighting by the Ruet-e-Hilal committee.
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree)
Laylat Al-Qadr is also known as the Night of Decree. It is known for the completion of the Holy Book, the Quran. This night falls on the last ten days of Ramazan, typically on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th).
It is said that this night is better than a thousand months of worship. To get the maximum out of this night, people pray and ask for forgiveness from Allah with complete devotion.
Shawwal
After Ramazan comes the Shawwal. It is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. It begins with a festive Eid for Muslims.
Eid al-Fitr in 2025
After Ramazan , Eid-al-Fitr is the most celebrated event for Muslims. It is celebrated as a reward for the efforts of Muslims during Ramazan.
The event is celebrated on the 1st Shawwal of the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated according to the moon sighting. The event starts with an Eid prayer and giving Zakat to the needy ones. According to the 2025 Islamic calendar, Eid is expected to fall on April 1st, 2025.
Zhul al-Qadah
Zhul Al-Qadah is the 11th month of the Islamic calendar. It is the third of the four most sacred months in the Islamic year. It also forbids violence.
This month is holy as Muslims from all over the world prepare to travel to Mecca for Hajj. This month is spent in remembrance of Allah and performing good deeds.
Zhul Hajj
It is the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holiest and most significant due to religious procession, the Hajj.
This month includes many significant events, like the 9th of Zhul-Hajj, which is the day of Arafah. Muslims fast on this day and perform religious activities, which are considered sacred. However, the most important day of this month is Eid Al-Adha.
Eid-al-Azha 2025
After the annual Hajj comes Eid Al-Azha. It is a festival celebrated for Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S) willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (A.S), in the name of Allah. The festival teaches us obedience and submission to our Lord.
Muslims worldwide celebrate this day by sacrificing animals according to the rules. This meat is distributed among relatives, people in need, and neighbors. The event is expected to fall on Friday 06th, June, according to the 2025 Islamic calendar.
Cultural and Religious Significance of Islamic Events in Pakistan
Islamic events are religiously and culturally significant. They shape the spiritual lives of people and the entire nation. Since Pakistan is a Muslim country, these events strengthen bonds, promote welfare, and preserve religious values.
Ramazan changes the Muslims from the inside out. They keep fast at dawn and break after iftar at dusk. This is followed by tarawih at Isha. Markets stay open late till night for Eid preparations. Muslims spend this month generously engaging in acts of charity.
Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Azha are followed by one another. They come together as an occasion of feast and festivity for Muslims. This brings people together by doing community prayers, festive meals, and charitable donations.
Muharram is the month to remember the sacrifice and struggle of Imam Hussain (A.S) against the oppression of Muslims worldwide.
It is a common practice for Muslims in Pakistan to plan their year according to the Islamic calendar. This saves them from hassle throughout the year. However, their exact dates may vary as they depend upon moon sightings.
Challenges of moon sighting in Pakistan
Moon sighting is quite a dispute in Pakistan. This leads to discrepancies in the announcement of critical Islamic events.
The Ruet-e-Hilal committee is responsible for announcing Islamic dates according to the moon sighting. However, differences can lead to regional variations. This is quite common in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The committee there often announces events on different dates.
Despite these differences, most Muslims in Pakistan follow the official announcements by the Ruet-e Hilal committee for Islamic events and holidays.
What are the public holidays in Pakistan according to the Islamic calendar 2025?
Following are the public holidays according to the Islamic calendar 2025:
- 5 July, 2025, Ashura.
- 15 august, 2025, chehlum (Arbaeen).
- 5 September, 2025, Mailad-un-Nabi.
- Aril 1, 2025, Eid al-Fitr.
- 5 June, 2025, Arafah day.
- 6 to 8 June, Eid al-Az
Why does the Islamic calendar change every year?
Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. It can be affected by weather and regional variations every year.
Therefore, the Islamic calendar is shorter, 11 to 12 days, than the preceding one. That is why the dates of Islamic events vary every year in correlation to the Gregorian calendar.
FAQs
How can I download the Islamic Calendar 2025 for Pakistan?
To download the 2025 Islamic calendar, you can follow several methods as given below:
Website
Google is the most used search engine all over the world for every query. You can visit different websites just by searching “Islamic calendar 2025 Pakistan” quickly.
Moreover, some Islamic websites like Islamic Finder and Al-Habib are easily accessible for the Islamic calendar 2025.
Apps
Mobile apps are one of the most hassle-free methods to access the Islamic calendar. Once you install an app on your device, you are just a click away from the Islamic Calendar 2025 Pakistan.
For mobile apps, you can visit Playstore. It will provide you with apps that match your location.
Local Islamic organizations
Another essential but the least known method is checking for your local mosque and Islamic organization’s websites. Some Islamic organizations provide downloadable PDF versions of the Islamic Calendar 2025.
Conclusion:
Islamic calendar supports the faith and culture of the Pakistani people. It marks the sacred events that bring Muslims together through prayers and celebrations. The events may range from the holy month of Ramazan to Eid.
The 2025 Islamic calendar contains numerous crucial events for Muslims in Pakistan. Therefore, it is important to stay aware of the Islamic calendar 2025.
It will ensure that you are well-prepared and spiritually satisfied by being informed of the significant dates and celebrations of the Islamic year.
