Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding the start of the Hijri calendar? Did the migration take place in Rabi’ ul-Awwal? If so, then why does the year begin at Muharram?

Answer:

The Prophet reached Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah in the month of Rabi’ ul-Awwal. However, it was in the month of Muharram that a firm resolve was made to migrate. Imam Ibn Hajr writes: “The Hijri calendar was set at Muharram instead of Rabi’ ul Awwal as the intention and plans to migrate had begun by Muharram. The Bay’a took place in Dhul Hijjah and this event was a forerunner to the migration. The first moon that was sighted during these events was that of Muharram, hence it was chosen as the beginning of the calendar. According to my knowledge, this is the strongest reason for the Hijri calendar starting with Muharram.

And Allah ﷻ knows the best

This fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari