News and Events

Muslims Urged to Observe Hijri Calendar

• 03rd August, 2023 7:47pm

Islamic University in Uganda held a public lecture about the Muslim ummah and the Hijri calendar on Wednesday 02nd of August 2023 ( 15th Muharram 1445).

The lecture was organized by the faculty of Islamic studies and Arabic language at IUIU under the Topic ''The Muslim Ummah And Hijri Calendar''. with members attending physically at the main campus in Mbale and online.

Dr. Sulait Kabali, a former dean of students and also a senior lecturer at IUIU commended the faculty of Islamic studies for organizing he event which will kickstart the celebration of Islamic events connected to the Muslim calendar.
Dr. Sulait highlighted the importance of the Hijri calendar and its connection with the Muslim ummah and all Muslims ought to follow it.

Dr. Kiyingi Hasan the dean of the faculty of Islamic studies and Arabic language gave an insight on the meaning of Ummah and the history of Hijri.

Dr. Hasan said that according to Sheikh Al-Amin Shinqeeti, Ummah was used in the Quran to imply four meanings like time, A group of people, and role models with the example of prophet Ibrahim. He added that Ummah also meant a ''Set of rules'' or shariah hence the Muslim ummah refers to the Muslim community wherever they are.

He also disclosed the existence of other calendars like the Hijri calendar, Sikh, Mesopotamian, Buddhist, Julian, or Gregorian, and that before the Hijri calendar, the Gregorian calendar that dates from the birth of Jesus-peace be upon him- was in place.

''People are caught unaware concerning important events like the month of fasting, Hajj, etc, perhaps it is the reason why people fail to participate in the Qurban as donors and resort to being recipients,'' he added. 

While addressing the importance of the Hijri calendar, Dr. Kiyingi said consciousness about the Hijri calendar is vital since it reminds Muslims of some main events in the Muslim calendar.

Dr. Jamil Serwanga the vice Rector in charge of academic affairs represented the Rector commended the members for attending the event both online and physically and called upon the faculty to keep the candle burning.

He also urged them to take advantage of the diversity in experience obtained through interaction with other countries to enhance the use of the Hijri calendar

Months of the Hiri Calendar
•Muharram: Because it was known that fighting in it is Haraam.
•Safar: (Empty): Because Arabs would leave their houses empty with no occupants. It was a month of fighting among the Arabs.
• Rabi-'ul Awwal (The first spring): It was in the spring
season.
•Rabi-'ul Al-Thaani (The second spring): It was in the spring season as well.
•Jumaadal Awwal (First freezing -i.e. of water-): It was in winter season.
Jumaada ath-Thaani (Second freezing - i.e. of water-): It was in winter also
Rajab (the revered): Because the Arabs respected as a sacred month and could not fight in it.
Sha'baan: It means getting divided. Either because they got divided searching for water, or going for war.