Festivals and Commemorations

Key Festivals in Islam

Eid-ul-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, this festival entails communal prayers, feasts, and giving of alms to the poor.
Eid-ul-Adha: Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. Muslims often sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, and share the meat with the poor.

Ashura: Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, during this day. It is marked by mourning, fasting, and reenactments of the tragic event.
Mawlid al-Nabi: This is the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Some Muslims choose to fast on this day, while others participate in communal meals and readings.
Laylat al-Qadr: Known as the Night of Power, this is considered the holiest night of the year in Islam. It is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Isra and Mi’raj: This day commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven. It involves fasting, communal prayers, and night vigils.