Islamic months

Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon and lasts about 29 or 30 days. There are 12 months in a year, and because lunar years are approximately 354 days, they are about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. This causes Islamic months to shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Important Islamic months include Ramadan, the month of fasting, and Dhul Hijjah, during which the Hajj pilgrimage takes place. The lunar calendar maintains cultural and religious significance for Muslims worldwide.