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Monday, July 8, 2024

Islamic New Year 1st Muharram 1446 Hijri is to fall on Saturday 7th July 2024

Islamic New Year 1st Muharram 1446 Hijri is to fall on Saturday 7th July 2024

 



Islamic New Year 1st Muharram 1446 Hijri is to fall on Saturday 7th July 2024.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is held to be the second holiest month after Ramadan.

Happy Islamic New Year to all. May this New Year bring a lot of peace, prosperity and happiness to the world! May Allah protect us!

This date criteria is Ummul-Qura Calendar on the New Moon day, if the moon is born before sunset at Makkah and moonset is after sunset then the month start on that night. First day of the month falls on the next day, otherwise wait for another day.

Ummul-Qura criterion depends upon the probability of seeing the crescent rather than the capability (or visibility), that reduces the errors of starting the month before the conjunction or of beginning the month two days after the conjunction.

Gregorian dates and days of Islamic months starting dates are given bellow –

 

Muharram 1 1446 = Jul 07, 2024 (Sun)

Safar 1 1446 = Aug 05, 2024 (Mon)

Rabi-Awwal 1 1446 = Sep 04, 2024 (Wed)

Rabi-Thani 1 1446 = Oct 04, 2024 (Fri)

Jumada-Oola 1 1446 = Nov 03, 2024 (Sun)

JumadaUkhra 1 1446 = Dec 02, 2024 (Mon)

Rajab 1 1446 = Jan 01, 2025 (Wed)

Sha'ban 1 1446 = Jan 30, 2025 (Thu)

Shawwal 1 1446 = Mar 30, 2025 (Sun)

Ramadan 1 1446 = Mar 01, 2025 (Sat)

Dhul-Qi'dah 1 1446 = Apr 29, 2025 (Tue)

Dhul-Hijjah 1 1446 = May 28, 2025 (Wed)

 

 

Friday, June 7, 2024

The whole world will celebrate Eid-al-Adha 1445 AH on Sunday, 16 June 2024, insha-Allah!

The whole world will celebrate Eid-al-Adha 1445 AH on Sunday, 16 June 2024, insha-Allah!

 

The whole world will celebrate Eid-al-Adha 1445 AH on Sunday, 16 June 2024, insha-Allah! (Except a few countries and communities, Such as Bangladesh, India.. ). Holy Hajj or Arafa day will be on Saturday, 15 June 2024.



[Based on:

1. The criteria is that on the New Moon day, if the moon is born before sunset at Makkah and moon set is after sun set then the month start on that night. First day of the month falls on the next day, otherwise wait for another day. (Ummul-qura calendar of Saudi Arabia)

2. The criteria are that after conjunction somewhere on the globe, at local sunset, the angle between sun and moon should be at least 8° and moon should be at least 5° above horizon. If these conditions are met, the month starts the next day; otherwise the month starts on the day following next day. ) (Diyanet Foundation of Turkey, ECFR - European Council for Fatwa and Research)

We wish all our viewers Eid Mubarak !

We are pleased to inform you that Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH starts on Friday, 7 June, 2024 in most of the countries of the world on the basis of ummul-qura calendar of Saudi Arabia. Because, The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) is on June 6, 2024 (Thursday) at 12:38 UT. On June 6, the crescent moon may be seen in USA by telescope.

সমগ্র বিশ্ব ১৪৪৫ হিজরির ঈদ-উল-আযহা ১৬ জুন ২০২৪ তারিখ রবিবার উদযাপন করবে, ইনশা-আল্লাহ! (কিছু দেশ এবং সম্প্রদায় বাদে, যেমন বাংলাদেশ, ভারত..) । পবিত্র হজ বা আরাফার দিন হবে ১৫ জুন ২০২৪ তারিখ শনিবার ।

এসব তারিখের ভিত্তি হলো:

১. মাপকাঠি হল অমাবস্যার দিনে, যদি মক্কায় সূর্যাস্তের আগে চাঁদের জন্ম হয় এবং সূর্যাস্তের পর চাঁদ অস্ত যায় তাহলে সেই রাতে মাস শুরু হয়। মাসের প্রথম দিন পরের দিন হবে, না হলে অন্য দিনের জন্য অপেক্ষা করতে হবে। (সৌদি আরবের উম্মুল-কুরা ক্যালেন্ডার)

২. মানদণ্ড হল পৃথিবীর কোথাও চাঁদ-পৃথিবীর জ্যোতির্বিজ্ঞানগত সংযোগের পরে, স্থানীয় সূর্যাস্তের সময়, সূর্য এবং চাঁদের মধ্যে কৌনিক দূরত্ব কমপক্ষে ৮° এবং চাঁদের দিগন্তের উপরে কমপক্ষে ৫° হবে। এই শর্তগুলো পূরণ হলে পরের দিন থেকে মাস শুরু হবে; অন্যথায় পরের দিন থেকে মাস শুরু হবে। ( তুরস্কের দ্বিনিয়াত ফাউন্ডেশন, ইউরোপীয়ান ফাতওয়া এন্ড রিচার্স )

সবাইকে ঈদ মোবারক!

আমরা আপনাদের জানাতে পেরে আনন্দিত যে সৌদি আরবের উম্মুল-কুরা ক্যালেন্ডারের ভিত্তিতে বিশ্বের বেশিরভাগ দেশে ৭ জুন, ২০২৪ শুক্রবার থেকে শুরু হচ্ছে ১৪৪৫ হিজরির জিলহজ্ব মাস শুরু হয়েছে । কারণ, দ্য অ্যাস্ট্রোনমিক্যাল নিউ মুন (সংযোগ) ৬ জুন  ২০২৪  তারিখ বৃহস্পতিবার আন্তজার্তিক সময় ১২:৩৮-এ হওয়ায় ৬ জুন ২০২৪ তারিখ বৃহস্পতিবার মার্কিন যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে টেলিস্কোপে দিয়ে হিলাল বা নতুন চাঁদ দেখা যেতে পারে।

 

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Ramadan 1445 AH will begin in most of the countries of the world on Monday, 11th March 2024

Ramadan 1445 AH will begin in most of the countries of the world on Monday, 11th March 2024

 


Alhamdulillah! Ramadan 1445 AH will begin in most of the countries of the world on Monday, 11th March 2024.

(Based on:

1. “If on the 29th day of the lunar month the two following conditions are satisfied, then the next day is the first day of the new lunar month:

1. The geocentric conjunction occurs before sunset.

2. The moon sets after the sun.

Otherwise, the current lunar month will last 30 days. ” - Rules for the Umm al-Qura calendar.

2. The criteria are that after conjunction somewhere on the globe, at local sunset, the angle between sun and moon should be at least 8° and moon should be at least 5° above horizon. If these conditions are met, the month starts the next day; otherwise the month starts on the day following next day. )

 

We wish all our viewers “Ramada Kareem” !

 

Today is 29th Saban 1445 AH based on above criteria.

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) was on March 10, 2024 (Sunday) at 9:00 UT.

On March 10, the new moon can not be seen in most of the world, except by telescope in Americas and with difficulty in Polynesian Islands. On March 11, the moon can be seen with difficulty in Australia and New Zealand, but can be seen easily in the rest of the world. On March 12, it can be seen easily in the whole world.

 

Some countries of the world declared first day of Ramadan on 12th March or 13th March 2024 based on local crescent sighting or the declaration of local waxing crescent sighting. So, the timing of this year's beginning of Ramadan in the Islamic countries reach in three days.

 

On the occasion of the difference and disagreement in the timing of this year's celebration of Ramadan in the Islamic countries which reached three days that this matter is regrettable time when modern science, particularly astronomy, has reached a high degree of advancement and precision.

One of the objectives of Islamic religious seasons and feasts is that they are occasions for celebration, reflection and rapprochement of hearts among Muslims in all countries in specific common times. This unity appears also in the form of these celebrations which have a great impact on the unity of feelings and positions.

It seems that these religious occasions have recently become occasions reflecting the division of Muslims instead of their unity with a negative impact on others image about them. This is indeed a huge mistake that runs contrary to the objectives of religion as regards these sacred occasions.

Organization of Islamic Countries : OIC has addressed this issue since the 1980s examined it in various meetings and adopted numerous resolutions In view of the abovementioned considerations he will request the International Islamic Fiah Academy - in its new framework – to reconsider the standardization of the Islamic calendar proceeding from the provisions of religion and the constant principles of modem science with a view to adopting a unified global Islamic calendar in all Muslim countries. This will reflect the unity of Muslims during their feasts and celebrations.

We appeal to the religious and official authorities in the Muslim world to collaborate with the OIC to put an end to division and disagreement in this regard.

Now, we have to implement to the following resolution on the Unified Hijri Calendar of OIC.

RESOLUTIONS ON CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS ADOPTED TO THE 45TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS (SESSION OF ISLAMIC VALUES FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE, SOLIDARITY AND DEVELOPMENT) DHAKA – PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH 05-06 MAY 2018 19-20 SHA’BAN 1439 H

D) THE UNIFIED HIJRI CALENDAR

Taking into account the pressing need for the unification and standardization of the Hijri Calendar which will reflect the unity of Muslims during the feasts and celebrations;

Taking note of the conclusions of the scientific symposium on unifying the Hijri Calendar held in Tunis on 11 June 2009 in presence of the OIC General Secretariat, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Member States, which include the following:

Take into account scientific facts and fixed and accurate astronomical calculations.

Need to rely on vision while making use of astronomical calculations and observatories and to Make use of Al-Shahid System of the Tunisian Scientist Mohamed Al Awsat Al-Iyari.

Taking also note of the International Conference of the Unity of Hijri Calendar, hosted by the Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in May 2016 in Istanbul to which scientists, astronomers and officials from around 50 countries attended.

Recalling all previous resolutions supporting Dar Al-Iftaa in implementing the satellite project in cooperation with Cairo University and the Center for Aerospace Studies and Consulting in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and stressing the importance of implementing the project proposed 15 years ago with the aim of unifying the Hijra calendar in Islamic countries as an embodiment of their unity;

1. Calls on OIC Member States and institutions and civil society organizations to financially contribute towards the establishment and manufacturing of the Islamic satellite.

2. Requests the Secretary General to take all necessary measures in this regard in coordination with Dar al-IftaaAl-Misriyhah with a view to starting the effective implementation of this project.

3. Calls upon all the Member States and Islamic institutions to implement previous resolutions to support the Fatwa Institution in implementing the satellite project with the cooperation of University of Cairo and Centre for Space Studies and Consultations in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and through cooperation with Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).

4. Takes into consideration the efforts exerted by the United Arab Emirates to achieve the unity of Muslim countries through the two meetings of the sharia scholars and astronomers held in (1438/2016– 1439/2017) that agreed to the unification of the Hijri calendar."

5. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the issues incorporated in this resolution and report thereon to the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Source : https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=1878&refID=1078

page 10 - 11

Update: Sunday, 10th  March 2024, 3.35 PM GMT.

 

 

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Eid-al-Fitr 1444 AH will be celebrated in most of the countries of the world on Friday, 21st April 2023.

Eid-al-Fitr 1444 AH will be celebrated in most of the countries of the world on Friday, 21st April 2023.

 


Eid-al-Fitr 1444 AH will be celebrated in most of the countries of the world on Friday, 21st April 2023.

(Based on:

1. The criteria is that on the New Moon day, if the moon is born before sunset at Makkah and moon set is after sun set then the month start on that night. First day of the month falls on the next day, otherwise wait for another day.

2. The criteria are that after conjunction somewhere on the globe, at local sunset, the angle between sun and moon should be at least 8° and moon should be at least 5° above horizon. If these conditions are met, the month starts the next day; otherwise the month starts on the day following next day. ) We wish all our viewers Eid Mubarak !

 

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) was on April 20, 2023 (Thursday) at 4:12 UT. On April 20, Waxing crescent can be seen with difficulty in USA and parts of Canada. On April 21, it can be easily seen in the whole world.

So, the month of Ramadan 1444 AH will complete 29 days and the first day of Shawwal or Eid ul Fitr 1444 AH will be the day of Friday 21st April 2023.

 

 

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Ramadan 1444 AH will begin in most of the countries of the world on Thursday, 23rd March 2023

Ramadan 1444 AH will begin in most of the countries of the world on Thursday, 23rd March 2023

 

 


Alhamdulillah! Ramadan 1444 AH will begin in most of the countries of the world on Thursday, 23rd March 2023.

(Based on:

1. “If on the 29th day of the lunar month the two following conditions are satisfied, then the next day is the first day of the new lunar month:

1.     The geocentric conjunction occurs before sunset.

2.     The moon sets after the sun.

Otherwise, the current lunar month will last 30 days. ” - Rules for the Umm al-Qura calendar.

 

2. The criteria are that after conjunction somewhere on the globe, at local sunset, the angle between sun and moon should be at least 8° and moon should be at least 5° above horizon. If these conditions are met, the month starts the next day; otherwise the month starts on the day following next day. )

 

We wish all our viewers “Ramada Kareem” !

 

Today is 30th Saban 1444 AH based on above criteria. So, there is no necessary to find waxing crescent for month calculation.

 

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) was on Tuesday, 21st March, 2023 at 17:22.47 UT. On 21st March, 2023 the waxing crescent could not be seen anywhere in the world. But on 22nd March, 2023 the waxing crescent can be seen easily in Africa and Americas, but can be seen with difficulty in parts of Europe and Far-East.

 

So, the month of Saban 1444 AH will complete 30 days and the first day of Ramadan 1444 AH will be the day of Thursday, 23rd  March 2023.

 

Some countries of the world declared first day of Ramadan on 21st  March or 24th  March 2023 based on false local waxing crescent sighting or the declaration of local waxing crescent sighting.

 

On the occasion of the difference and disagreement in the timing of this year's celebration of Ramadan in the Islamic countries which reached three days that this matter is regrettable time when modern science, particularly astronomy, has reached a high degree of advancement and precision.

One of the objectives of Islamic religious seasons and feasts is that they are occasions for celebration, reflection and rapprochement of hearts among Muslims in all countries in specific common times. This unity appears also in the form of these celebrations which have a great impact on the unity of feelings and positions.

It seems that these religious occasions have recently become occasions reflecting the division of Muslims instead of their unity with a negative impact on others image about them. This is indeed a huge mistake that runs contrary to the objectives of religion as regards these sacred occasions.

Organization of Islamic Countries : OIC has addressed this issue since the 1980s examined it in various meetings and adopted numerous resolutions In view of the abovementioned considerations he will request the International Islamic Fiah Academy - in its new framework – to reconsider the standardization of the Islamic calendar proceeding from the provisions of religion and the constant principles of modem science with a view to adopting a unified global Islamic calendar in all Muslim countries. This will reflect the unity of Muslims during their feasts and celebrations.

We appeal to the religious and official authorities in the Muslim world to collaborate with the OIC to put an end to division and disagreement in this regard.

 

 

 

Now, we have to implement to the following resolution on the Unified Hijri Calendar of OIC.

 

 

RESOLUTIONS ON CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS ADOPTED TO THE 45TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS (SESSION OF ISLAMIC VALUES FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE, SOLIDARITY AND DEVELOPMENT) DHAKA – PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH 05-06 MAY 2018 19-20 SHA’BAN 1439 H

D) THE UNIFIED HIJRI CALENDAR

Taking into account the pressing need for the unification and standardization of the Hijri Calendar which will reflect the unity of Muslims during the feasts and celebrations;

Taking note of the conclusions of the scientific symposium on unifying the Hijri Calendar held in Tunis on 11 June 2009 in presence of the OIC General Secretariat, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Member States, which include the following:

 Take into account scientific facts and fixed and accurate astronomical calculations.

 

Need to rely on vision while making use of astronomical calculations and observatories and to Make use of Al-Shahid System of the Tunisian Scientist Mohamed Al Awsat Al-Iyari.

 

Taking also note of the International Conference of the Unity of Hijri Calendar, hosted by the Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in May 2016 in Istanbul to which scientists, astronomers and officials from around 50 countries attended.

 

Recalling all previous resolutions supporting Dar Al-Iftaa in implementing the satellite project in cooperation with Cairo University and the Center for Aerospace Studies and Consulting in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and stressing the importance of implementing the project proposed 15 years ago with the aim of unifying the Hijra calendar in Islamic countries as an embodiment of their unity;

 

1. Calls on OIC Member States and institutions and civil society organizations to financially contribute towards the establishment and manufacturing of the Islamic satellite.

2. Requests the Secretary General to take all necessary measures in this regard in coordination with Dar al-IftaaAl-Misriyhah with a view to starting the effective implementation of this project.

3. Calls upon all the Member States and Islamic institutions to implement previous resolutions to support the Fatwa Institution in implementing the satellite project with the cooperation of University of Cairo and Centre for Space Studies and Consultations in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and through cooperation with Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).

4. Takes into consideration the efforts exerted by the United Arab Emirates to achieve the unity of Muslim countries through the two meetings of the sharia scholars and astronomers held in (1438/2016– 1439/2017) that agreed to the unification of the Hijri calendar."

5. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the issues incorporated in this resolution and report thereon to the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Source : https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=1878&refID=1078

page 10 - 11

 

 

Update: Thursday, 22nd March 2023, 1.00 PM GMT, 4.00PM Mecca Time.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, May 2, 2022

Eid-al-Fitr 1443 AH will be celebrated in most of the countries of the world on Monday, 2nd May 2022

Eid-al-Fitr 1443 AH will be celebrated in most of the countries of the world on Monday, 2nd May 2022

 

 


 

 

Eid-al-Fitr 1443 AH will be celebrated in most of the countries of the world on Monday, 2nd May 2022.

(Based on:

1. The criteria is that on the New Moon day, if the moon is born before sunset at Makkah and moon set is after sun set then the month start on that night. First day of the month falls on the next day, otherwise wait for another day.

2. The criteria are that after conjunction somewhere on the globe, at local sunset, the angle between sun and moon should be at least 8° and moon should be at least 5° above horizon. If these conditions are met, the month starts the next day; otherwise the month starts on the day following next day. )

 

We wish all our viewers Eid Mubarak !

 

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) was on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 20:28 UT. On April 30, the new moon or waxing crescent could not be seen anywhere in the world. So, the month of Ramadan 1443 AH will complete 30 days and the first day of Shawwal or  Eid ul Fitr 1443 AH will be the day of Monday 2nd May 2022.

 

Niger, Mali and Afghanistan was celebrated Eid ul Fitr 1443on Sunday, 1st May 2022 based on the declaration of false local crescent sighting.

Moreover, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka will be celebrate Eid ul Fitr 1443 on Tuesday, 3 rd May 2022 on the declaration of local crescent sighting or the compilation of 30.

 

On the occasion of the difference and disagreement in the timing of this year's celebration of Eid Al Fitr in the Islamic countries which reached three days that this matter is regrettable time when modern science, particularly astronomy, has reached a high degree of advancement and precision.

One of the objectives of Islamic religious seasons and feasts is that they are occasions for celebration, reflection and rapprochement of hearts among Muslims in all countries in specific common times. This unity appears also in the form of these celebrations which have a great impact on the unity of feelings and positions.

It seems that these religious occasions have recently become occasions reflecting the division of Muslims instead of their unity with a negative impact on others image about them. This is indeed a huge mistake that runs contrary to the objectives of religion as regards these sacred occasions.

OIC has addressed this issue since the 1980s examined it in various meetings and adopted numerous resolutions In view of the abovementioned considerations he will request the International Islamic Fiah Academy - in its new framework – to reconsider the standardization of the Islamic calendar proceeding from the provisions of religion and the constant principles of modem science with a view to adopting a unified global Islamic calendar in all Muslim countries. This will reflect the unity of Muslims during their feasts and celebrations.

We appeal to the religious and official authorities in the Muslim world to collaborate with the OIC to put an end to division and disagreement in this regard.

 

 

 

Now, we have to implement to the following resolution on the Unified Hijri Calendar of OIC.

 

 

RESOLUTIONS ON CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS ADOPTED TO THE 45TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS (SESSION OF ISLAMIC VALUES FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE, SOLIDARITY AND DEVELOPMENT) DHAKA – PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH 05-06 MAY 2018 19-20 SHA’BAN 1439 H

D) THE UNIFIED HIJRI CALENDAR

Taking into account the pressing need for the unification and standardization of the Hijri Calendar which will reflect the unity of Muslims during the feasts and celebrations;

Taking note of the conclusions of the scientific symposium on unifying the Hijri Calendar held in Tunis on 11 June 2009 in presence of the OIC General Secretariat, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Member States, which include the following:

 Take into account scientific facts and fixed and accurate astronomical calculations.

 

Need to rely on vision while making use of astronomical calculations and observatories and to Make use of Al-Shahid System of the Tunisian Scientist Mohamed Al Awsat Al-Iyari.

 

Taking also note of the International Conference of the Unity of Hijri Calendar, hosted by the Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in May 2016 in Istanbul to which scientists, astronomers and officials from around 50 countries attended.

 

Recalling all previous resolutions supporting Dar Al-Iftaa in implementing the satellite project in cooperation with Cairo University and the Center for Aerospace Studies and Consulting in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and stressing the importance of implementing the project proposed 15 years ago with the aim of unifying the Hijra calendar in Islamic countries as an embodiment of their unity;

 

1. Calls on OIC Member States and institutions and civil society organizations to financially contribute towards the establishment and manufacturing of the Islamic satellite.

2. Requests the Secretary General to take all necessary measures in this regard in coordination with Dar al-IftaaAl-Misriyhah with a view to starting the effective implementation of this project.

3. Calls upon all the Member States and Islamic institutions to implement previous resolutions to support the Fatwa Institution in implementing the satellite project with the cooperation of University of Cairo and Centre for Space Studies and Consultations in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and through cooperation with Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).

4. Takes into consideration the efforts exerted by the United Arab Emirates to achieve the unity of Muslim countries through the two meetings of the sharia scholars and astronomers held in (1438/2016– 1439/2017) that agreed to the unification of the Hijri calendar."

5. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the issues incorporated in this resolution and report thereon to the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Source : https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=1878&refID=1078

page 10 - 11

 

 

Update: 1st May 2022, 5.30 PM GMT

 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Saudi Arabia drops Islamic Hijri calendar

Saudi Arabia drops Islamic Hijri calendar

 



Saudi Arabia adopts Gregorian calendar

Government drops Islamic Hijri calendar

The Saudi government has adopted the Gregorian calendar. The Arab News and Saudi Gazette reported the cabinet approved the change last week (1 October 2016 ) as a cost cutting measure, and also cut the salaries of government ministers by 20 per cent and froze the salaries of civil servants. The change is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 programme to diversify the economy, cut government spending and boost the private sector.

The change will impact the salaries of government workers as the lunar Hijri calendar consists of 12 months of 29 or 30 days, with fewer days per year than the Gregorian calendar. The Hijri calendar begins is dating from the Hijri, Muhammad’s emigration from Mecca to Medina. Each numbered year is designated either “H” for Hijra or “AH” for the Latin Anno Hegirae (“in the year of the Hijra“). The current Islamic year is 1438 AH. In the Gregorian calendar, 1438 AH runs from approximately 3 October 2016 to 21 September 2017. The change goes into effect on 1 Oct 2016. The calendar change brings the Saudi government into conformance with the private sector. However the adoption of a Western Christian calendar is also seen as symbolic by some within the kingdom of the Crown Prince’s determination to move the country away from its strict Islamist roots, bringing its customs and practices in line with the modern world.

Source:

https://anglican.ink/2016/10/08/saudi-arabia-adopts-gregorian-calendar/