The Hijri calendar, a lunar calendar of 12 months and approximately 354 days, governs significant religious observances for Muslims residing in New York City and worldwide. These observances include Ramadan, the month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Local mosques and community centers frequently publicize prayer times and events based on this lunar cycle.
Accurate tracking of the lunar cycle holds profound importance for the Muslim community in maintaining religious practices. The fluctuating dates of holidays according to the Gregorian calendar necessitate a dedicated resource for tracking these important events. Historically, the Hijri calendar commenced with the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history. This calendar continues to serve as a connection to this heritage and facilitates a shared experience of faith within the global Muslim community.