The Islamic Concept of Time
How Muslims Schedule their Calendar
The Muslim calendar began at the time of the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh), and the Muslims of Mecca, from Mecca to Madina. This was a significant move in Islam in that they were leaving the oppression of the Quraish tribe of Mecca for the welcoming “Ansar” (helpers) of Madina.
This was the beginning of Islam as a society and is reflected in the Qur’an by a shift in the type of revelations from being centralized around the theme of Tawhid (calling to the concept of one God) to a theme of societal rules and laws. Such Ayahs (verses) in the Qur’an can also be easily recognized by a shift from Ayahs beginning with “O mankind” to “O, you who believe”.
The Migration (Hejira) Marked a New Calendar
Since that time, Muslims have gone by the Hejira (Migration) or Hejiri Calender and have referred to it as “after hejira” or “A.H.” in English – just as B.C. is Before Christ; B.C.E., Before the Common Era, and A.D., Anno Domini (Latin for “in the year of our Lord).
At the time of this article, the date is the 27th of the lunar month of Sha’ban of the year 1429 A.H. which corresponds to August 28, 2008. Within the next couple of days Muslims around the world will be scanning the skies for a glimpse of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the lunar month of Ramadan.
Ramadan
For all intensive purposes, Ramadan is not unlike any other month with regards to going by the lunar calendar – it is the crescent sighting that begins each month. However, due to an obligatory prescribed fast during Ramadan, special attention is given. According to Prophet Muhammad, (pbuh), the month begins whenever it is sighted by one trustworthy person, no matter where they are. Unfortunately, today the Ramadan crescent sighting has become a very political one.
The Islamic Day
Not only do Muslims go by a different monthly calendar, but the Islamic day starts differently as well. The Islamic cycle of a day begins with the setting, not the rising of the sun. In countries such as Saudi Arabia, where the Islamic calendar alone is norm, when someone is speaking about going out on Friday night, he means the night that comes before the “day” of Friday.
The Islamic Week
The Islamic work week in most “Muslim” countries is quite different than “Western” ones. The beginning of the weekday is Saturday, with the weekend being Thursday and Friday. Or in others, the weekend is Friday and Saturday. This is due to the obligation of attending Juma’a prayers (congregational prayers with a special sermon) every Friday. Although it is okay for a Muslim to work on Friday, as long as he closes business during and attends Juma’a prayers.
The Islamic Hours
Even the hours in the life of a practicing Muslim are perceived differently, as the day is broken up into time slots according to the five daily prayers (Salat). Each one of them is described, not by looking at a clock but by the position of the Sun. It is quite common for Muslims to say something like, "Let's meet up between Dhuhr and Asr" or, "Come for tea after Maghrib". (Dhuhr, Asr and Maghrib are three of the five daily prayers).
In this “modern” era, Salat Time Schedules are easy to come by and are found posted in Masjids (Mosques) all over the world. Technically, the time is to be eye-sighted for all five according to the strict time allotments given each one. Shadows and light both play huge parts.
Time in Islam is about Achieving Balance
The Islamic concept of time is a culmination of balancing between the sun and the moon, providing for the believer:
1. A time for worship and a time for engaging in the world.
2. A time for work and a time for prayer.
3. A time for rest and a time for wakefulness.
With proper attention given to it, a sense of harmony with God and the nature He created can be felt.
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