Like any other religion, Islam has important holidays that are celebrated in Muslim communities around the globe. While many Muslim Holidays are celebrated, this blog will focus on the biggest ones everyone should know about.
Muharram
The month of Muharram marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year. The Islamic calendar begins on the first day of Muharram and commenced from the year Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and his fellow Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina when they feared for their safety.
The Islamic New Year is celebrated with prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran.
Eid al Fitr
Once Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast, comes to an end, Edit al Fitr begins. Eid al Fitr translates to the Festival of Breaking the Fast and is one of two important Islamic celebrations. During Eid al Fitr, Muslims wear the finest clothes, decorate their homes, reward children, and visit friends and family.
Eid al Fitr is about showing gratitude and generosity, while good deeds and charity are emphasized.
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Eid al Adha
Eid al Adha translates to Feast of Sacrifice, which is celebrated in remembrance of Prophet Abraham’s (Peace be Upon Him) dedication, commitment, and love towards his Creator. Prophet Abraham (Peace Be Upon Him) is celebrated for his obedience to God, despite being commanded to sacrifice his son. As soon as Prophet Abraham (Peace Be Upon Him) was about to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, he was replaced with a ram. God saved Prophet Abraham’s (Peace Be Upon Him) son, and this sacrifice is remembered even today.
Eid al Adha is an important Islamic festival after the Hajj. The festival is celebrated with the sacrifice of a lamb or any other permitted animal. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed amongst family, friends, and the poor. The sacrifice signifies obedience to God, and distributing the meat expresses generosity, which is an important part of Islam.
Ashura
Muslims celebrate Ashura, but it can differ in how it is treated based on the sect. Sunni and Shia Muslims observe Ashura differently.
The Sunni sect celebrates Ashura as the day Prophet Moses (Peace be Upon Him) freed the Israelites from the Pharoah. The day is celebrated by fasting and giving thanks to God. As for the Shia sect, it is a day of mourning, as Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) grandson, Hussain Ibn Ali, was martyred.
Laylat al Qadr
Laylat al Qadr was the night verses of the Holy Quran were first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). It is worth noting the exact date is unknown, but it falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Laylat al Qadr is one of the most important nights for Muslims, with most going to the mosque to recite the Quran, pray, and ask for God’s forgiveness.
Muslim Holiday Dates
People interested in finding out Muslim Holiday dates must understand that the Islamic holidays work according to the Islamic calendar, which started after the migration from Mecca to Medina by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and his followers.
Rather than searching for terms like Muslim holidays 2022, Muslim holidays 2021, and Islamic holidays 2021, the dates for the holidays mentioned above are as follows according to the Islamic calendar:
- Muharram – 1st of Muharram
- Eid al Fitr – 1st of Shawwal
- Eid al Adha – 10th of Dhul Hijjah
- Ashura – 10th of Muharram
- Laylat al Qadr – Last 10 days of Ramadan
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