The traditional Islamic calendar (also known as Hijri
calendar) is based on a lunar (moon) calendar consisting of
354/355 days. Since this is not aligned with the complete
revolution of the earth around the sun of 365.25 days (which is
what the commonly used Gregorian solar calendar is based on) it
means that the seasons will often be out of sync in the Islamic
calendar, e.g. "ramadan" (which means intense heat) can occur in
the coldest season, or the Traditional month called "raabi al
awwal" (which means "the first spring") can occur in winter. This
naming makes little sense and seems to make the calendar
impractical. [
background]
Is the year according to The Quran lunar or solar?
10:5 He is the One who made the sun a radiance and the moon
a light and determined for it* phases that you would know the
number of the years and the account...
*singular masculine, to my knowledge this could refer to both the
sun and moon or just moon. Sun/shams is a feminine.
17:12 We have made the night and the day as two signs: the
sign of the night We have obscured while the sign of the day we
have made visible so that you may seek favors from your Lord and
that you may know the number of years and the account and every
thing We have explained it distinguished.
Since the night and day are determined by the sun and not the moon
17:12 strongly suggests that the year is solar. But 10:5 does hint
at both sun and moon being used in a calendar/timing system.
If we were to try and reconcile these verses to make them work
together we can use:
9:36 Indeed the count of the months/moons with God is
twelve months/moons in God's decree the day He created the heavens
and the earth; four of them are inviolable/restricted - that is
the upright system; so do not wrong yourselves therein and fight
those who set up partners collectively as they fight you
collectively. Know that God is with the righteous
9:37 Indeed the nasiu/intercalation is an increase in
rejection, those who have rejected are led astray by it. They make
it lawful one year and they make it inviolable/restricted one year
to adjust the count that God has made inviolable; so making lawful
what The God made unlawful. Their evil works are fair-seeming to
them...
"nasiu/intercalation" means arbitrary adjustment in order to
change the count (of either 12 months/moons or 4 being inviolable
or both or perhaps their order). This is also mentioned in
Classical Arabic dictionaries albeit there is no consensus on what
it means. It just so happens that in some solar years of 365.25
days the number of moons/months could be 13 which would allow for
such manipulation and this is likely what these verses refer to.
It doesn't really matter what type of adjustment was occurring as
it can be eliminated by sticking to the "count" (Arabic: 3idat) as
per Quran. The word
count/3idat
is different to
number/3adad.
We are only concerned with counting 12 so if there happens to be
13 in one solar year we don't count the 13th one, thus allowing
the seasons to remain in sync with the months/moons every year.
The seasons being in sync is also alluded to in 12:47 which says
"you will sow seven
years/sinin
as
usual/custom"
- farmers only work according to the seasons which don't change
from one year to the next.
It stands to reason that this intercalation would only be done
once it was known whether there was 12 or 13 months/moons that
year. In other words it would be done at the end of the year to
adjust the following year. The Quran implies and the dictionaries
discuss this manipulation was about altering the inviolable
months/moons for one's advantage.
According to The Quran "al ashar al haram" (the 4 inviolable
months/moons, see 9:36) MUST be consecutive (i.e. 4 in a row). For
explanation please see this thread or these specific posts:
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9610235.msg416993#msg416993
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9610235.msg417228#msg417228
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9610235.msg432823#msg432823
The above also refutes the Traditional Islamic calendar (in which
they are not consecutive).
Other minor evidence "al ashar al haram" are a quartet (i.e.
consecutive, a group of 4):
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9610235.msg417095#msg417095
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9610235.msg417137#msg417137
Quran 9:1-2
mentions
an acquittal/release from a treaty with some polytheists and
tells them they have amnesty/ceasefire for 4 months/moons and then
in 9:3 it mentions this announcement on the greatest day of the
hajj or day of the greatest hajj (doesn't seem to matter which
interpretation is chosen) but follows in 9:5 by saying when the
plural inviolable months/moons have peeled/stripped-off/passed
(see
PRL
or
this
post for further evidence of the consecutive nature of this
word "
inSaLaKHha")
then those who broke the treaty can be fought. Note the Arabic
plural means 3 or more.
I initially thought The Quran was repeating the same
acquittal/release in 9:1 in 9:3 again but I should have realised
Quran's word precision is there for a reason. The 1st time it
mentions 4 months, 2nd time it mentions when 3 or more inviolable
months have peeled away. Also note how the beginning of each verse
9:3, 9:4 and 9:5 are linked to each other.
Thus the wording from 9:1-5 suggests the clear possibility that
the 4 inviolable months/moons begin - then on the 2nd inviolable
moon/month the
hajj/homage
periods can begin. This aligns with 2:197 which states "hajj are
the months (plural: ashurun) well known". Remember the Arabic
plural is 3 or more thus a minimum of 3 months/moons are allowed
for hajj. If so this would match with 9:1-5.
The question then becomes what could be the first month/moon of
the inviolable months/moons (if the last 3 are for the hajj)? The
only other "named/described" month/moon given in Quran is "shahr
ramadan" so this becomes the obvious candidate. The meaning of
"ramadan" is intense heat. In the Northern hemisphere the hottest
period begins after the summer solstice (which is around June
21st) and it just so happens the first moon after the summer
solstice appears larger and somewhat orange, making it somewhat
distinct. Some cultures have called it the rose moon or hot moon [
source].
Interestingly when The Quran introduces "shahr ramadan" and then
"al hajj" in chapter 2 it is in this order, i.e. ramadan first
then discusses hajj immediately after.
We can prove from Quran that "al hajj" and "ramadan" do not
coincide (i.e. same moon/month) because in the nights of
abstinence one is allowed sexual relations with one's spouse
(2:187) but when one is undertaking "al hajj" this is not allowed
(2:197) and is only allowed after one fulfills/completes their
hajj (which is a minimum of 2 days) see 2:203. Also
see
2:196 in which abstinence is given as an option for
expiation but this would make little sense if one was already
abstaining/fasting in ramadan. And lastly exemption is given for
abstinence if traveling but undertaking the hajj would likely
involve traveling so seems a mixed message.
If the above is correct it means ramadan and the months/moons that
follow would be in a hot period during the year. This seems to be
supported by 9:81 which implies during this time a group declined
to go with the messenger having said "do not
mobilize*
in the heat".
*this word is used as early as 9:38 in this chapter.
We can also show the Traditional Islamic calendar clashes with
Quran 106:2 which says the so-called tribe of Quraysh journeyed in
the shitaa/winter and the sayf/spring. Muhammad Asad notes in his
explanation of this verse "i.e. the two annual trade caravans - to
the Yemen in "shitaa" and to Syria in "sayf"- on which the
prosperity of Mecca depended".
The word "sayf" is often mistranslated as summer because this is
the Modern Arabic meaning. In Classical Arabic dictionaries such
as
Lane's
Lexicon and Lisan al Aarab the word "sayf" can mean "spring"
or "late spring" (depending on whether the 4 or 6 season calendar
is being referred to from ancient Arabia) e.g.
4 season calendar: shitaa/winter, sayf/spring, qayz/summer,
kharif/fall/autumn
6 season calendar: shitaa/winter, rabi Awal/early spring,
sayf/late spring, qayz/summer, rabi thany/early fall, kharif/late
fall.
It may be interesting to note in the 6 season calendar some
seasons are split into two which is similar to the naming of some
months in the Traditional Islamic calendar suggesting a remnant of
the past remains.
No matter which translation of "sayf" is chosen it still poses a
critical problem for the Traditional Islamic lunar calendar
because ramadan and the inviolable months/moons would sometimes
occur in their journey times of "sayf" and "shitaa" meaning they
would not be around when masses of people were allegedly
congregating for the hajj (e.g. in Mecca, according to
traditions). The
event
of hajj, which has elements of an annual fair, would be a
prime opportunity for trade thus traveling elsewhere during this
period seems very odd. Monetary/worldly benefits of hajj are
alluded to in Quran (2:195-198, 9:18-20, 9:28, 22:27-29). Also it
would mean ramadan occurs during their journey periods which seems
odd.
In our analysis it would make sense that Quraysh would travel in
"sayf/spring" BEFORE the start of the inviolable months/moons to
buy goods to sell at the annual event of the hajj. Then AFTER the
inviolable months/moons it would also make sense that they use the
money they earned during trading and travel to buy goods and/or
trade.
Thus 106:2 clearly suggests the inviolable months/moons would
occur within a regular pattern of seasons in the year.
To summarise the information we have so far:
Year is solar (365.25 days)
Both sun and moon are involved in the calendar/timing
system.
Count of months/moons is 12 per solar year, 4 of which are
consecutive inviolable months/moons
The first inviolable month/moon is likely "shahr ramadan"
and the latter 3 are for the hajj - and all 4 are in a warm
period
The hajj period and ramadan do not overlap/coincide
Seasons are in sync (i.e. regular pattern) in the year
The inviolable months/moons are unlikely to be in spring or
winter
As you can hopefully see the information is coming together
nicely. However the above system would seem to require a
starting/reset point, i.e. a point from which to count 365.25 days
and from which to count 12 moons/months. The Quran does not seem
to be explicit about this.
Interestingly 9:36-37 suggests that the arbitrary inconsistency
was the problem, thus as long as the count of months/moons is 12
and 4 of them are inviolable then we must ask ourselves: as long
as we are consistent does it really matter at what point the year
starts? I do not think it does and if I am correct then this could
explain the northern/southern hemisphere issue.
For example in the northern hemisphere the hot/summer months are
at a different time of the year to the hot/summer months in the
southern hemisphere. In other words the seasons are at different
times in the north and south. If God is All-Knowing and the author
of The Quran then obviously God would know this to be the case -
so does Quran allow for a solution?
All in the above summary are related to cosmic/natural phenomena,
e.g. it doesn't matter if you're in the north/south the earth will
still take 365.25 days to orbit the sun, there will still be a
"shahr ramadan" (albeit at different times of the year), you can
still count 12 months/moons in a solar year etc but if we were to
adopt a one size fits all approach and fix/start the calendar to
begin from a natural phenomena such as summer solstice or "shahr
ramadan" for example then the timing of the year would be
different in the north and south, making things somewhat
difficult/impractical. Thus ideally we should use something that
is common to both north/south and from Quran we know the year is
solar so this could be a neutral, albeit arbitrarily chosen, point
to begin the calendar, e.g. one point/day in the day/night pattern
of 365.25 days.
It just so happens that the most commonly used civil calendar
today is the Gregorian solar calendar and both north and south
have agreed upon January 1st as a starting point for the year and
this seems to work well. This allows unity in time cross
communication between north/south and each still have their own
seasons, likewise each hemisphere would still have its "shahr
ramadan" and inviolable months/moons, but they would occur at
different times of the year - there is nothing in Quran to suggest
it has to be the same for all people around the world and if the
reason behind the inviolable months is related to wildlife
hunting/conservation (5:1) then it makes sense they would be
different for north/south. Wildlife birth/rearing cycles are tuned
to seasonal cycles, which of course would be different in
north/south, so it makes sense they would be different
north/south.
Also if all the world's muslims were to converge on one spot for a
few months of the year it may overwhelm the area so this could be
another reason for having the timing difference. This difference
in timing can be likened to the situation of the regular/timed
salat of the
mumineen which occurs at different times around the world - and
can work anywhere in the world including the North pole [
see
here]. Interestingly this can be likened to Quran's
implication that only those who
witness
"shahr ramadan" apply what entails - again allowing this timing
system to work anywhere in the world. These examples highlight one
of many examples of remarkable word precision in Quran. For those
that don't know one objection to Quranic timings is that they do
not work for extreme locations (e.g. area within
Arctic
circle).
The arbitrary nature of using different lengths of time could be
demonstrated by the following verses ("
hijajin"
28:27, "
huquban"
18:60, "
hawl"
in 2:240, "
sinin/sanat"
as used in 10:5 and 17:12 and various verses, "
3am"
in various verses). In 29:14 the latter two are used together
suggesting a difference. In none of these occurrences is one term
critiqued. The Quran simply seems to relate the stories as is,
i.e. whatever timing term they used and referred to is included in
the information.
The arbitrary nature of selecting a starting point could, in part,
explain the story of how the Traditional Islamic calendar was set
by 2nd Caliph Umar. It is also likely there were a few competing
calendars at the time and there was a push to differentiate
themselves from the common
Julian
solar calendar (at the time likely associated with the
Roman/Christian empire), hence the lunar calendar. This is my
speculation of course.
Interestingly Quran does not name/describe any months/moons except
one: "shahr ramadan". The inviolable months/moons (al ashar al
haram) are a description. This may be because you only need one
identifiable point in order to implement this system.
Lastly it has been claimed that the non-possessive singular word
"yawm" (day/era) occurs in Quran 365 times and the dual/plural 30
times [
source].
The singular word "shahr" occurs 12 times [
source].
If true this is an interesting observation and lends support to
the above analysis.
The Quranic calendar system described above is simple and could be
implemented by any society regardless of what arbitrary calendar
they inherited. The cosmic/natural markers are unaffected by the
arbitrary decisions (and errors) of people who came before us.
Those who wish to follow The Quran can now and in the future make
a fresh start and reset the system to this true marker making it a
robust timing solution.
Peace.
Feedback welcome, especially corrections (see
here).
Miscelaneous and some unanswered questions
The above has presented some formidable arguments against the
Traditional Islamic calendar. I personally do not see how they can
answer this - hence could be a provable example of a highly
significant error in Traditional Islamic practice.
Does "shahr" in relation to timing mean new moon, moon, moon-cycle
or full-moon? I can see arguments for each so I still need to
think on this. I assume as long as one was consistent it may not
matter much.
It is interesting to note that 17:12 uses "know the number/3adad
of years" and does not say "know the count/3idat of years".
Compare this to use of "count/3idat" in 9:36-37. Firstly from
9:36-37 I can see how a count could be violated but not a number.
Secondly the different usage suggests shahr more likely means moon
rather than month, albeit they are linked.
2:189 they ask you about the crescent/new moons* say they
are timing device for the people and the hajj...
*plural meaning 3 or more. Why are the moons mentioned here not
timing for ramadan?
36:39 the moon/qamar We have determined for it phases until
it returns like the old date stalk
Can these verses tell us when moon/month period begins according
to Quran?
When is the night of measure (97:1)? See first referenced article
below for some analysis. I still need to think on this.
We may need to check the above system to see how a leap year would
fit in. I haven't calculated this yet.
Further research could be done on the possible reasons behind the
inviolable months/moons in the summer period (see 5:1, 5:95 to
begin with), likely related to wildlife
hunting/conservation/reflection.
Since we can very accurately calculate backwards and forwards in
time the moon/sun phases (thus years) using online calculators it
might be interesting to look at old inscriptions and alleged
timings of historical events according to traditions to see what
we find.
Background References:
https://www.free-minds.org/blind_dating
(Much of the above was based on this article by brother Ayman)
THE 'YEAR' IN THE
QUR'ĀN by F.A. Shamsi
Project Root
List by
StudyQuran.org
Corpus Quran
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/salat-timings-Quran.html
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/Quran-2196-critical-thinking.html
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-hajj-Quran.html
#####
More articles:
https://www.mypercept.co.uk/articles
This work would
not have been possible without the many people who have
contributed to this topic, and without the resources now
available to anyone wishing to study The Quran in
detail. For these stepping stones I am indebted and truly
thankful.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
This work reflects my personal
understanding, as of 2nd Aug 2024. Seeking knowledge is a
continual process and I will try to improve my understanding
of the signs within 'the reading' (al quran) and out with it, unless The God
wills otherwise. All information is correct
to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be
taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and
verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.
And do not
follow what you have no knowledge of; surely the
hearing, the sight and the heart, all of these, shall be
questioned about that. [17:36]