Muslim Festivals

ISLAMIC FESTIVALS

Like all other religion, Islam has a number of special occasions of celebration. These occasions are observed with devotion to seek the pleasure of Allah. There is no concept of festival only for pleasure. The festivals are the occasions of thanksgiving, joy and happiness. The two major occasions in Islam in each year are : 'Idul Fitr and 'Idul Adha.

'Idul Fitr is observed at the end of the month of Ramadan. On this day, after a month of fasting, Muslims express their joy and happiness by offering a congregational prayer. The day is generally observed as a holiday in Muslim countries.

'Idul Adha begins on the 10th of Dhu'l Hijjah and continues until the 12th day of the month. It is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) readiness to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) on the command of Allah. Allah accepted Ibrahim's devotion and obedience and asked him to sacrifice a lamb instead.
This occasion of great importance comes every year during the days of Hajj (Pilgrimage of Makkah) and is observed by offering congregational prayer, as in 'Idul Fitr.

Some other occasions to observe and celebrate include Lailatul Qadr (Night of power), Lailatul Mi'raj (Night of the Ascent), the beginning of Hijrah, the dates for Islamic battles, the birthday of the Prophet Muhummed (pbuh) and 'Ashurah (10th of Muharram).

Islamic festivals are observed according to the Islamic calendar which is based on Lunar months (12 months in a year). The Lunar year is shorter than the solar year by about 10 days. (See Islamic Teachings and Beliefs by Ghulam Sarwar of Islamic Educational Trust, U.K).

Festival dates are determined by the sighting of the moon. Unfortunately there is not a single Islamic calendar which has been accepted by Muslims all over the world or even in different parts of the globe.