What are the Major Islamic Festivals?
Islamic holidays are religious observances that mark significant events in the history of Islam. They are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and vary from year to year, as the Islamic calendar is approximately 11–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Islamic holidays are celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide and often involve prayer, fasting, and other spiritual practices.
The Islamic Holidays are Only Two, which are:
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Muslims around the world celebrate it on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The celebration typically lasts for three days and is an occasion for prayer, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on Ramadan's spiritual lessons and express gratitude for their blessings.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,.” It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, just before Ibrahim sacrificed his son, Allah provided him with a ram to slaughter instead. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, and is celebrated for four days. Observers of the holiday typically sacrifice an animal, usually a cow, goat, or sheep, and share the meat with family, friends, and the poor. It is also a time for Muslims to commemorate the importance of sacrifice, devotion to Allah, and the importance of helping those in need.
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Medina, the people had two days on which they engaged in games. He asked: What are these two days (what is the significance)? They said: We used to engage ourselves in them in the pre-Islamic period. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Allah has substituted for them something better than them, the day of sacrifice and the day of the breaking of the fast.
Some non-Muslims are mixing the two major Islamic celebrations (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) with other important Islamic events, including The Hijra (the journey of the prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE). The Hijra marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar and is celebrated as the Islamic New Year on the first day of the month of Muharram.
The other events are the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi), the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (Israa and Miraj), and the fasting period of Ramadan, which lasts for one month and involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset.
As Muslims, we are blessed to have holidays that offer us a chance to deepen our faith, connect with our community, and give to those in need. From celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, to Eid al-Adha, Islamic holidays offer us an opportunity to reflect on our beliefs and acknowledge the blessings in our lives.
The Quran tells us, “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 183)
This verse is a reminder that the act of fasting during Ramadan is not only a form of worship but also a means of attaining righteousness in the eyes of Allah.
In a Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins.” This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fasting during Ramadan and the potential for spiritual growth and forgiveness.
Real-life cases show us the power of Islamic holidays to bring people together in celebration and reflection. In Muslim countries and Islamic communities in the West, Muslim families gather to share traditional food, exchange gifts, and visit loved ones during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Companies in the Islamic world honor these holidays by offering time off for employees to celebrate with their families and participate in community events.
In every situation, the act of giving during Islamic holidays is an essential part of the celebration. Charity is an integral part of Islam, and remembering those less fortunate is especially important during celebration times. The act of zakat, giving a portion of one’s wealth to the needy, is an essential part of the Islamic faith.
Practical advice to strengthen faith, community, and charity during Islamic holidays includes attending special prayers, volunteering at community events, donating to charities, and spending quality time with loved ones. These are the actions that make Islamic holidays meaningful and impactful.
In conclusion, Islamic holidays offer us the chance to deepen our faith, connect with our community, and give back to those in need. From the Quranic verses to the Hadith, the traditions of Islam remind us of the importance of celebrating our beliefs and values. And as we continue to celebrate these holidays, we can find inspiration in real-life cases, companies, and practical solutions that show us the power of faith, community, and charity.