Why I Organize My Goals Based on the Hijri Calendar

How a different calendar transformed my goal setting

Photo by Sanni Sahil on Unsplash

For most, the Gregorian calendar dictates the rhythm of life: New Year’s resolutions, quarterly targets, and back-to-school hustles all neatly packaged within its familiar 12 months.

But for me, a different calendar whispers a quieter, more introspective rhythm — the Hijri calendar, based on lunar cycles and Islamic observances.

For those unfamiliar, the Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar followed by Muslims, marking significant religious events and historical milestones.

It’s eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, meaning it shifts annually compared to the solar year. This seemingly arbitrary shift holds a unique power for me.

My decision to organize my goals around the Hijri calendar wasn’t born out of religious obligation, though faith plays a role. It stemmed from a yearning for a more meaningful structure, a framework that resonated with my values.

The Gregorian calendar, with its arbitrary divisions, often felt artificial. Deadlines loomed based on societal expectations rather than personal growth. The constant pressure to “start afresh” every January felt performative, a fleeting attempt to outrun the flow of life.