Calendar 2017 Islamic: A Year of Spiritual Significance and Religious Observance
Islam, one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, follows a lunar calendar, known as the Islamic or Hijri calendar. The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months, making it shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar. Each month in the Islamic calendar begins with the sighting of the new moon, marking the start of a new lunar month. In this article, we will explore the Calendar 2017 Islamic and delve into its significance, religious observances, and the events that occurred during that year.
Contents:
1. Understanding the Islamic Calendar 2017
The Islamic calendar dates back to the year of Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah, known as the Hijra. The Islamic year consists of 354 or 355 days, and since it follows the lunar cycle, it does not align with the Gregorian calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, leap years have an additional day, while in the Islamic calendar, leap years have an extra month called “Adh-Dhul-Hijjah.” This unique lunar calendar system holds great significance for Muslims worldwide.
2. Religious Observances and Significant Dates
The year 2017 was filled with several religious observances and important dates for Muslims. Some of the key events celebrated in 2017 were:
Ramadan
Ramadan holds immense significance in the Islamic calendar. It is the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims around the world observe fasting from dawn till sunset during this holy month. In 2017, Ramadan began on May 26 and ended on June 24. It was a month of intense spiritual reflection, prayer, and increased acts of charity.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with great joy and festivity. It is a day of gratitude and thanksgiving to Allah for the strength to complete the month-long fast. In 2017, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on June 25 and 26. Muslims worldwide came together in prayer, shared meals, and exchanged gifts to commemorate this auspicious occasion.
Hajj
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Hajj took place from August 30 to September 4. Millions of Muslims from various corners of the globe embarked on this sacred journey, following in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham and performing rituals that date back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. Hajj is considered one of the pillars of Islam and is an important part of a Muslim’s spiritual journey.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic calendar. In 2017, Eid al-Adha was observed on September 1 and 2. Muslims gather for prayers, sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow), and distribute the meat among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
3. The Significance of 2017 in Islamic History
While the Islamic calendar follows a cyclical pattern, each year holds its own historical and religious significance. The year 2017 witnessed a series of events that left a lasting impact on the Muslim community worldwide. Some key historical events of 2017 include:
Wars and Conflicts
Unfortunately, 2017 continued to be a difficult year for many Muslim communities affected by wars and conflicts. The ongoing violence in Syria, Yemen, and other parts of the Muslim world led to immense suffering and displacement. Muslims around the world rallied together to provide humanitarian aid and support to those in need.
Islamic Art and Architecture
2017 also saw the inauguration of several significant Islamic art and architectural projects. The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum dedicated to showcasing art from different civilizations and cultures, made headlines globally. It became a symbol of intercultural dialogue and understanding.
Interfaith Dialogue and Outreach
2017 marked numerous efforts towards interfaith dialogue and outreach from the Muslim community. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launched various initiatives to bridge the gap between communities and promote peace and understanding. These efforts included engaging in dialogues with people of different faiths and organizing events focused on fostering unity and coexistence.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Islamic calendar the same as the Gregorian calendar?
Ans: No, the Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, while the Gregorian calendar is solar-based. The Islamic calendar is 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Q: Why does the Islamic calendar have leap years?
Ans: The Islamic calendar has leap years to adjust the lunar months within the solar year. Leap years in the Islamic calendar consist of an extra month called “Adh-Dhul-Hijjah.”
Q: What is the significance of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar?
Ans: Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and increased acts of charity. Muslims believe that the first verses of the Quran were revealed during this month.
Q: Why is Hajj significant in Islam?
Ans: Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds immense significance for Muslims. It is an obligation for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj commemorates the trials and sacrifices of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Muhammad.
5. Conclusion
The year 2017 in the Islamic calendar was a period filled with spiritual and religious observances, celebrations, and historical events. Muslims worldwide came together to commemorate Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid al-Adha. The year also witnessed various challenges faced by Muslim communities, along with noteworthy achievements in art, architecture, and interfaith dialogue.
As Muslims continue to follow the Islamic calendar, the hijri year provides a framework for religious and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of Islam, unifying Muslims across different cultures and countries. The Calendar 2017 Islamic serves as a testament to the enduring faith and perseverance of the Muslim community, guiding them towards a path of spirituality and devotion.
