hilal

Hilal, from the Arabic hilāl meaning crescent moon, refers to the slender curved phase of the Moon visible briefly after conjunction. In Islamic contexts, hilal denotes the crescent that signals the start of a new lunar month in the Islamic calendar.

The start of each lunar month is traditionally determined by the sighting of the hilal after sunset, though modern practice varies by country. Some communities rely on witnesses or official announcements based on moon sighting, while others use astronomical calculations to establish the first day of Ramadan, Shawwal, Muharram, and other months. This can lead to regional differences in dates.

Culturally, the hilal is a widely recognized symbol in Islamic art and architecture and is featured on the flags and emblems of many Muslim-majority nations. It is associated with the lunar calendar, religious observances, and historical caliphates.

Hilal is also used as a given name in several cultures, notably in Turkish and Arabic-speaking communities, and can be used for males or females depending on locale. It may also appear in place names or surnames in some regions.

See also: Crescent, Crescent moon, Hilāl.