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Why the Hijri months are named as they are

Twelve months — their names tell of Arab life before Islam.

1

Muharram

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Muharram

Named for fighting being forbidden in it.

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Traditional linguistic etymologies attributed to the early Arabs.

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  1. Muharram — Named for fighting being forbidden in it.
  2. Safar — Said to be for homes emptying as men left to raid.
  3. Rabi' al-Awwal — Named in the spring season.
  4. Rabi' al-Akhir — Follows the first Rabi'.
  5. Jumada al-Ula — Named when water froze from the cold.
  6. Jumada al-Akhira — Follows the first Jumada.
  7. Rajab — From 'veneration'; a sacred month.
  8. Sha'ban — Said to be for tribes dispersing to raid after Rajab.
  9. Ramadan — From intense heat; said to burn away sins.
  10. Shawwal — Said to be for camels raising their tails.
  11. Dhu al-Qa'dah — Named for sitting back from fighting in it.
  12. Dhu al-Hijjah — The month of the greater pilgrimage.