Discover the significance of Muslim holidays and how they are celebrated worldwide. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the Islamic calendar and its festivals.
Introduction:
Muslims around the world celebrate various holidays throughout the year. These Muslim holidays have deep religious and cultural significance and are observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. Understanding these holidays and their traditions is essential to gain an insight into Islamic culture and its people. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the Muslim holiday and its significance.
Muslim Holiday Definition:
For the past 1400ce years, Muslims have been celebrating their Muslim Festival (EID) holidays every year. All over the globe, Muslims celebrate two big festival holidays throughout the year it is called Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
The history of Islamic holidays is based on the Hijri calendar (Islamic Calendar) which depends on the lunar year. The history of Muslim holidays changes every year.
The Lunar Calendar and Its Importance
The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, with each month starting on the sighting of the new moon. It is different from the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar system. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar that consists of 12 months, with each month starting on the sighting of the new moon. The lunar calendar is important in Islamic culture because it determines the dates of important religious events and celebrations.
The Islamic Calendar and Its Significance
The Islamic calendar is also known as the Hijri calendar, named after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, which marks the beginning of the Islamic era. The Islamic calendar is significant because it marks important events in Islamic history and is used to determine the dates of major Muslim holidays and festivals.
Muslims do not celebrate the beginning of the new Islamic year traditionally way. Rather, they acknowledge the passage of time. Muslims also get help from the Islamic calendar to know about Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and the fast of Ramadan month.
There are twelve months in the Islamic calendar, the Beginning and End of the Islamic month are done by looking at the moon. Muslims celebrate holiday festivals and follow their holidays according to the Islamic calendar(Hijri).
The year Hijri began when Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah-ul-Mukarma to Madinah.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: The Two Major Muslim Festivals
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two major Muslim festivals celebrated around the world. Both festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a joyous occasion where Muslims break their fast and celebrate the end of a month of self-discipline and reflection. The festival is celebrated with family and friends, with prayers and feasts.
The Festival of Sacrifice: Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is the festival of sacrifice and is celebrated in honor of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for Allah. Muslims celebrate this festival by sacrificing an animal, typically a sheep or a goat, and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the poor.
The Month of Ramadan: A Month of Self-Discipline and Reflection
Ramadan is the month of fasting, self-discipline, and reflection. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and engage in acts of charity and spiritual reflection.
The Purpose of Fasting in Ramadan
The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to develop self-discipline, self-control, and compassion for the less fortunate. Fasting also helps Muslims purify their body and mind and strengthen their faith.
Taraweeh: Additional Prayers During Ramadan
Taraweeh is a series of additional prayers that Muslims perform after the evening prayer during Ramadan. These prayers are a voluntary act of worship and are performed in congregation.
The Celebrations of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Muslims around the world. It is a time of celebration, forgiveness, and generosity.
The History of Ashura
Ashura is a significant day in the Islamic calendar that is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims. It falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
The Significance of Ashura in Shia Islam
Ashura holds great importance in Shia Islam, as it is seen as a day of mourning for the death of Imam Hussain. Shia Muslims consider Imam Hussain as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression. They believe that his martyrdom was a sacrifice for the greater good of the Muslim community, and that he stood up against the corrupt and oppressive regime of his time.
Shia Muslims observe Ashura by participating in mourning processions and reciting elegies in memory of Imam Hussain. They also wear black clothing and refrain from listening to music and participating in any joyous activities.
The Customs and Traditions of Ashura
Ashura is a day of solemn reflection for Muslims, and there are several customs and traditions associated with it. Shia Muslims participate in mourning processions, which include beating their chests and reciting elegies in memory of Imam Hussain.
In some countries, Shia Muslims also participate in a ritual called “tatbir,” which involves striking oneself with a sword or chains as a sign of mourning. However, this practice is controversial and not universally accepted among Shia Muslims.
Allah Pak saying in Qur’an about Islamic month and it is based on a lunar cycle.
“The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) – so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth….”
(9:36).
At another place Allah Pak saying about the calendar(Hijri).
“It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light of beauty and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail, for those who understand”
(10:5).
Friday Holiday:
In the Muslim holidays, Friday is considered the happiest day of the week. In the Islamic tradition, Friday is also like EID. Friday prayers are congregational prayers held in mosques.
On the day of Jummah, all Muslims wear clean clothes and use perfume along with a bath. On this day, all Muslims along with their family, friends, and relatives, organize a special lunch program at home, hotels, and parks.
The Islamic Months:
The Islamic month starts at the sunset on the first day. The day when the lunar crescent is visually sighted. The lunar year is approximately 354 days. The season of the Islamic calendar is not fixed to the Gregorian calendar.
The months of the Islamic year with Holidays are given below:
- Muharram. (1st Muharram Holiday >> Shahadat of Hazrat Umar (R.A)
- Safar.
- Rabi-Ul-Awal. (12 Rabi ul Awwal Holiday >> Birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
- Rabi-Ul-Sani.
- Jamdi-Ul-Awal.
- Jamadi-Ul-Sani.
- Rajab.
- Shabaan.
- Ramadhan
- Shawaal (1st, 2nd and 3rd Shawaal Holiday >> Eid ul Fitr)
- Zul-Qadah.
- Zul-Hijah (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Holiday >> Hajj and Eid ul Adha)
Muharram Holidays:
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic tradition. The Islamic year begins on the month of Muharram. All over the Globe Muslims are respect the month of Muharram.
In the month of Muharram, Fasting in the first two weeks of Muharrared m is also proved which means that one should fast on the ninth, ten or ten, eleventh.
When Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, it was discovered that the Jews had fasted on ten Muharram-ul-Haram.
Muhammad (SAW) said:
“ The best fasts after the fast of Ramzan are those of the month of Muharram.”
(9:36)
“It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light of beauty and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail, for those who understand.”
(10:5)
Fasting of Muharram-ul-haram:
Although fasting in the month of Muharram is not obligatory, but still Muslims voluntarily fast. The Hadith also mentions the fast of Muharram, that the fast of Muharram is the most reward-able of the Nafal fasts.
The month of Muharram is also remembered for the fact of Martyr Hazrat Imam Husain ibn Hazrat Ali (R.A) and also remembered for the battle of Karbala. Hazrat Husain(R.A) was the grandson of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims begin their new year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Jews said, on that day Hazrat Musa(A.S) and his companions had miraculously crossed the river by the command of Allah and Pharaoh drowned in the same water.
After hearing this dialogue, The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SWA) said, “We are closer to Hazrat Musa than you.” And then Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) kept they say, and we kept fast the first ten days of Ashura. (Abu Dawood)
Ten day of Ashura:
It is also said that Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram-ul-Haram, and Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Approximately most Muslims remember this day on the day of martyrs of the Muslim nation because Hazrat Hussain (R.A) ibne Hazrat Ali (R.A) was martyred on that day and the Grandson of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). The month of Muharram is also known as the Battle of Karbala.
Virtues(Fazilat) of Muharram:
According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them. This tradition is referring to Behiqi and some other religious scholars.
- This is the day which Hazrat Adam(A.S) was created.
- This is the day on which Hazrat Ibrahim(A.S) was born.
- This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of Hazrat Ibrahim(A.S).
- On ten Ashura the Qayamat (Doomsday) will take place.
A holiday of 12 Rabi-ul-Awal:
12 Rabi-ul-Awal is also called Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated on the day of the 12th date. The month of Rabi-ul-Awal has a special significance in Islam.
Muslims celebrate the birth of the last Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) this month, Muhammad (SAW) is the founder of Holy Islam.
The 12 Rabi ul Awal has been the subject of intense debate over the Islamic legal sensibilities. The month of Rabi-ul-Awal is celebrated in all Muslim countries instead of Arabia.
The day is commemorated with the recollections of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) life and significance.
Eid-ul-Fitr:
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by all the Muslim countries around the world with great devotion. Eid ul Fitr takes place at the end of Ramadan.
After fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, Allah Pak gives the gift of Eid-ul-Fitr in return for a reward.
These Muslims fast in the blessed month of Holy Ramadan, it gives them strength patience, and thanksgiving. Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated for three days almost in all Muslim countries.
Allah Pak saying in Quran:
“Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great reward.”
(Al-Quran)
Anas bin Malik(R.A) narrated, who said:
“Allah has given you better than those feasts (festivals of non-believers): the ‘Eid-ul-Adha’ and ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’”
(An-Nasai: 1556)
Abu Said Al-Khudri (R.A) narrated, he said:
“No fasting is permissible on the two days of Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 1995)
Eid-Ul-Fitr is a religious festival, So Muslims around the world celebrate it with great fervor and devotion. Muslims around the world begin the day of Eid-Ul-Fitr with prayers.
After performing a Ghusal, all Muslims go to the mosques to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, including the children, and the elder all go to perform the worship of one Allah Almighty.
After the prayers, all Muslims greeting each other Eid-ul-Fitr. After the prayers, everyone goes to visit their family, relatives, and friends to give the Eid-ul-Fitr greetings and give gifts to each other, and children are given Eid-ul-Fitr gifts and money from their parents and uncles.
Eid-ul-Fitr prayers are obligatory for every adult Muslim. The sermon has an important place in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.
Compulsory:
“It is important and compulsive for a Muslim to pay ‘Zakat-ul-Fitr’ before the offering of Eid Prayer.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 1511)
“The time for Eid Prayer begins from the time the sun is three meters above the horizon until the sun reaches its meridian. However, it is better to offer the prayer in the early hours after the sunrise.”
(Abu Dawud: 1135)
Eid Prayer is performed without any ‘Iqamah’ or ‘Athan’.
(Sahih Muslim: 885 (b)
Sunnah of Eid-ul-Fitr Prayer:
- Take a bath ablution before going for a prayer.
- Use the Miswak (Tooth Brush).
- You should wear your best clothes on Eid-ul-Fitr day.
- Apply Itarr (Perfume).
- Make sure that you have paid Zakat-ul-Fitr before Eid prayer.
- Say following “Takbeerat” while going and returning from Eid-ul-Fitr prayer.
- Listening to the Khutbah (Sermon) after offering the Eid prayer. (An-Nisai 1517)
- Use different ways before going to the mosque and return home. (Shahi Bukhari 986)
Takbeer Words:
Allah Hu Akbar
Allah Hu Akbar
La ilaha illallah
Wallah Hu Akbar
Allah Hu Akbar
Walillah hil Hamd
Translation of Takbeer:
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is most Great, Allah is most Great there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is most great, and to Allaah be praise).
Eid-ul-Adha Holiday:
Eid-ul-Adha is an Islamic festival, by the command of Allah, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) sacrifices his son Hazrat Ismail (A.S). All over the globe, Muslims observe this event.
After performing the annual Hajj, The Muslim communities offer a large number of sacrifices. It includes a ritual sacrifice on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha,
Muslim peoples offer sheep, goats, and camels. An action of sacrifice meant to commemorate the trail of the Holy Prophet Ibrahim (A.S).
Story of Sacrifice:
The Holy Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) dreamed one day, that He was being ordered to sacrifice His beloved son Hazrat Ismail(A.S). On the first night, Hazrat Ibrahim(A.S) feels suspected that it was a devil’s dream, and He is ignoring this dream and says there was no truth in it.
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) had the same dream again the next night so that He realized it was not a devil’s dream. This dream, that I have been seeing for many days is a command from Allah that I have fulfilled.
Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) without any hesitation He prepared His son Hazrat Ismail(A.S) for the sacrifice. Hazrat Ibrahim loved his son Hazrat Ismail(A.S), but He obeyed Allah’s command.
Allah Pak saying in Holy Quran:
“And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, “O Ibrahim, You have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations: “Peace upon Ibrahim.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.”
(Qur’an, 37: 103-11)
Significance of Qurbani:
The reward for Eid-ul-Adha Qurbani is immense as mention in the Hadith and Sunnah.
“For every hair of the Qurbani you will receive a reward from Allah, and for every strand of its wool you will receive a reward.”
(Al-Tirmidhi)
Who Should Perform Qurbani:
The general rule is that the sacrifice should be performed by affordable means. This means that anyone Muslim pays the Zakat every year he can make a sacrifice, should be performed Qurbani.
Sunnah of Eid-ul-Adha Prayer:
- Wake up early in the morning and perform a Ghusal (Bath ablution).
- Wear the most beautiful and clean garments and go to pray for Mosque.
- Take a different route home from the Eid Prayer.
- Listening to the Khutbah (Sermon) after offering the Eid prayer. (An-Nisai 1517).
- Say the Takeerat.
What holidays do muslim celebrate?
There are several Holidays of Muslim every year. These are Muharram Holiday, Rabi ul Awwal Holiday, Ramzan Holiday, Eid Holidays and Hajj Holidays.
What are the muslim holidays?
There are almost 20-25 holidays of Muslims each here. These are some special day, some are festivals and Some of the Birth and Death of Important Persons.
Muslim holidays where they slaughter goats?
It is Eid ul Adha. Eid ul Adha is the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) where he slaughters his Son Hazrat Ismail AS and Allah accepts his Sacrifice without hurting Hazrat Ismail AS.
