Islamic Festivals and Commemorations

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival that falls at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a celebration marking the end of fasting.
This holiday is also known as ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’.
Celebrations involve communal prayers, feasting, giving Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food), and exchanging gifts.
The date of Eid-ul-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which signals the start of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar.

Also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael in obedience to Allah.
This festival concludes the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Traditionally, an animal (usually a sheep or a goat) is sacrificed, representing Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat is then divided into three parts to be distributed among the poor, relatives and friends, and kept for personal use.
Prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts also mark the occasion.

Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar. The tenth day of this month, known as Ashura, is a significant day for Muslims.
Sunni Muslims observe it as a day of gratitude for Moses’ liberation of the Israelites from the Pharaoh, while Shia Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad.
It is common to fast on Ashura, a practise reportedly based on a tradition from the Prophet Muhammad.

Mawlid al-Nabi is a celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Though not universally observed, it is an official holiday in many parts of the Muslim world.
The Prophet’s life and teachings are honoured and reflected upon during Mawlid.
Observances often include communal meals, prayers, hymns, readings from the Qu’ran, and in some cultures, elaborate festivals and parades.

The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca required of all Muslims who are physically and financially able.
This is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, fundamental duties that underpin Muslim life.
Rituals during Hajj include Tawaf (circling the Ka’bah), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa hills), staying at Mount Arafat, and ritually throwing stones at pillars representing the devil.
Completion of the Hajj is believed to purify the soul and earn the title of Al-Hajj/Aj-Hajjah (Pilgrim).