Which Caliph initiated the Hijri Calendar?

Explanation

The Hijri (Islamic) calendar was introduced during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA) in 17 AH (638 CE). He consulted his advisors and decided that the calendar should begin from the year of the Prophet's (PBUH) migration (Hijrah) to Madina, as this event marked the establishment of the first Islamic state. The month of Muharram was chosen as the first month, and the calendar is lunar-based with 12 months.

Good to know

Before the Hijri calendar, Arabs used to date events by major occurrences like the Year of the Elephant. When Hazrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (RA) wrote to Hazrat Umar (RA) about the confusion caused by undated official correspondence, Hazrat Umar (RA) established a proper calendar system. He chose the Hijrah as the starting point over other suggestions such as the Prophet's birth or the beginning of revelation, emphasizing the Hijrah's significance as the turning point in Islamic history.

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