Muslim holidays fall according to the Islamic calendar

Holidays

Muslim holidays fall according to the Islamic calendar which has 12 months
lasting from one new moon to the next. The Islamic year begins on the day of Hijra,
which recalls Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 AD.
Ashura is celebrated on the tenth day of the first Muslim month. For many
Muslims this day commemorates wonderful events like the coming to rest of Noah’s ark,
the birth of the prophet Abraham and the building of the Kaaba. For Shia Muslims,
however, it is a day of special sorrow commemorating the martyrdom of Muhammad’s
grandson Hussain in the battle of Kerbala in Islam’s first century. It is commemorated in
Shi’a communities with the reenactment of these events and is a time for mourning.
Milad al Nabi is the prophet’s birthday. It occurs on the 12th day of the third
Islamic month. It is celebrated in some Muslim countries with great festivities.
Laylat Al Miraj is celebrated on the 27th day of the seventh month and it
commemorates the journey of the prophet from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to
Layalt al Baraa falls on the 15th day of the eighth month. It is a night when
forgiveness is granted to those who repent. It is also a time when people forgive and
settle disputes. Many Muslims spend the night in prayer.
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Mature and
healthy Muslims fast from dawn to dusk so that they can empathize with the struggles of
the poor who often go hungry and thirsty. Although Ramadan is a month of reflection and
self-discipline in which people earn the blessing of God and his forgiveness, it is also a
time when family and friends gather for special meals and late nights of socializing.
Layalt Al Qadr commemorates the first revelation to the prophet and is usually
on the 27th day of the 9th month, known as the month of Ramadan. It is said to be equal to
one thousand months and on this night the prayers of the sincere Muslim are said to be
answered. Most Muslims go for special night prayers at their Mosques.
Eid al Iftar is the feast that celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan.
Elaborate dishes are prepared as family and friends gather around the table to celebrate.
The traditional greeting is “Eid Mubarak” which translates to Blessed Eid. Children are
dressed in their best clothes often bought for the occasion and gift giving and
Haj is the required pilgrimage to Mecca and falls in the 12th Islamic month. The
9th day of the Haj is known as the day of Arafat when fasting pilgrims stand before God
on Mount Arafat and Muslims around the world gather at local mosques for prayer in
Eid al Adha commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael
to God and God’s mercy in substituting a lamb for Ishmael. This feast coincides with the
end of Haj. Traditionally, Muslims will sacrifice a lamb and distribute its meat to the
poor. They then celebrate with their own family and friends.