Sharʿī Perspective on the Distinction Between Hijrī and Gregorian Calendars
Question:
Is it Islamically valid to consider the Hijrī calendar as specific to Muslims, and the Gregorian calendar as specific to Christians?
Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
1. Origin of Hijrī and Gregorian Calendars:
- The Hijrī (Islamic) calendar was officially initiated during the Caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (رضي الله عنه).
- The Gregorian calendar was likely developed by Christians to organize their religious affairs.
2. Sharʿī Basis for Differentiation:
- In the Qur'an and Sunnah, several rulings are tied directly to the lunar (Hijrī) calendar, such as:
- ʿIddah (waiting period) of women
- Fasting during Ramadan
- Eid al-Fiṭr and Eid al-Aḍḥā
- However, in some rulings, solar movements are also considered, such as:
- Prayer times based on the position of the sun
- Daily cycles and natural phenomena
3. Is the Distinction Sharʿīly Binding?
- To assert strictly that the Hijrī year belongs exclusively to Muslims, and the Gregorian year to Christians, has no explicit basis in Sharʿī texts.
- However, it is a fact that Islamic religious obligations are structured around the lunar calendar.
- Therefore, Muslims should be mindful of the Hijrī calendar, especially in matters of worship, rituals, and Sharʿī obligations.
Conclusion:
- While the Hijrī calendar holds Sharʿī significance and is deeply tied to Islamic jurisprudence, labeling the Gregorian calendar as solely Christian or forbidden lacks explicit evidence.
- The Islamic emphasis is on using the Hijrī system for religious matters.
- Hence, using both calendars contextually (for worldly and administrative purposes) is not inherently impermissible, as long as the Sharʿī framework is preserved.
