Many of the historical festivals in Islamic culture are still celebrated today. Many of them date back to Muhammad who was Allah’s Prophet. Al-Hijra is one of them, as are Ashura, Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. Each festival and holy day has its own traditions. For example, there are feasts, meals, ritual prayers, as well as expectations to give to the poor. Al-Hijra – the Islamic New Year – is the name of the first holyday. The Islamic tradition dates back to 622 C.E., when this day was first celebrated. Muhammad’s time. Muhammad was credited with starting this holyday when he migrated between Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was requested that he travel to Medina, Saudi Arabia to resolve the issue of hostile tribes and their inability to get along. This journey was made with many companions. Muhammad’s goal was to get all the tribes on the same page, even when they were separate. He then created the Islamic state by combining mosque and government. In other words, he combined his religious beliefs with state law. Islam, as a religion, was formed when the tribes dwindled and everyone in each one was under a single Islamic state. All Muslims, after this, were united under a single faith and served the same God, Allah, as well as a set of laws. Muhammad’s month of accomplishment was Muharram, and on the 1st day of that month he established the Islamic State. This holy night is celebrated between dusk and dawn. Al-Hijrah fell on Friday, 30th August, 2019 and ended in the evening Saturday, 31st August. Al-Hijrah has fewer traditional spiritual rituals than other holydays. Like Americans, Muslims reflect on the previous year and plan for the new year. ReligionFacts.com says that they will be exchanging greetings and making “New Years Resolutions”. Ashura is also a holy day in Islam. This day falls on 10th Muharram, 10 days following Al-Hijra. The Prophet Muhammad created this day as well. According to ReligionFacts.com Muhammad established this holy day in order to commemorate two Qur’anic events. Christians know about one of the events, but not the other. First, Muslims should pay tribute to the moment Noah left his ark. Noah constructed the ark as God or Allah (in Islam) saw that sin and violence had corrupted the earth and told Noah to build it with his wife, sons and 2 of every creature. Muslims should also honor Allah’s saving of Moses, a Prophet, from Egyptians on Ashura Day. Moses was supposedly sent to Egypt as a result of the slavery there. Muslims fast between sunset and sunset on this holy holiday. Ashura does not require or encourage fasting like Ramadan. Sunnis, Shias and other sects of Islam celebrate Ashura differently. They even have different stories behind it. ReligiousFacts.com reports that this holyday was actually the cause of the split between Sunnis and Shias. Shi’ites commemorate Husayn’s death as a result of his willingness to become a martyr. Shia Muslims will use this day as a time to grieve and mourn his death. They may even show their sorrow by participating in rituals that represent the struggle and pain Husayn endured in Karbala, Iraq. For example, flagellating involves wearing all-black and using a sharp, chained weapon to beat yourself on the back. Also, they will cut their own heads or beat themselves. They do this in honor of Husayn. It is also a way to historically represent his blood shed during his martyrdom. Muslims also do it in order to be saved and enter paradise upon the arrival of Allah’s “Day of Judgement”. In Karbala, Iraq there is a shrine dedicated to Husayn, where many people attend this ritual. Here, speeches will be held. ReligiousFacts.com says that this holy day is important for Shi’ites because it represents the fight against injustice, oppression, and tyranny. This holyday fell on Monday, 9th September, and ended Tuesday evening, 10th September.
Ramadan follows as the next Muslim tradition. This month long celebration is not just one day. This month occurs in the ninth Islamic calendar month. Fasting is part of this holy month, which Muslims observe to obey Allah’s commands. The Qur’an contains this command, and Muslims are required to follow it. ReligionFacts.com says that this month is a time when Muslims should refrain from food, drink, water and other things, including sexual activities from dawn until dusk. The fast helps them to focus on Allah and not the world, as well as cleanse and liberate their souls. Non-Muslims should be careful of Muslims in this month and refrain from eating or drinking in front of them because it’s rude and disrespectful. ReligionFacts.com reports that Muslims have specific greetings to use during the month of Ramadan. This greeting begins “Ramadan Mubarak”, “May God make this month a blessing for you”, and is followed by “Ramadan Karim”, “May God make this month generous for you”. The poor are encouraged to receive their savings during this month. This is called “Zakat”. This month, good deeds and their importance are emphasized. Those who give the most will get the greatest reward at the Day of Judgement. Muslims are also encouraged by the Qur’an to be read in its entirety during Ramadan. Each night they attend a mosque and perform traditional rituals and recite a Qur’an chapter. The entire Qur’an will be read by the Muslims at the end of this month. Muslims do not have to fast until puberty. The fasting month is only for healthy people who are free of any illnesses or disabilities. ReligionFacts.com says that fasting is not mandatory for everyone. These include “menstruation”, traveling, illness or old age. These people must make up their missed days. Those with illnesses and medical conditions are not allowed to participate. However, some do. They are also required to speak to a doctor and ask for permission to take part. These professionals will also be monitoring them closely. For children, Ramadan participation is not compulsory, but it can be done if the child wants to get ready for a time in their life when they need it. After the break of their fast, Muslims say a prayer. After that, they eat “Iftar”. This meal is eaten by many people in different Muslim countries. They eat what they like. Some people eat their traditional meal, some eat what they ate the night prior, and others eat breakfast. Desserts are usually served. According to the Qur’an “Muhammad ate three dates when he broke his fast”, many Muslims follow this tradition. They will then say “Maghrib”, a fourth of five Islamic ritual prayers, just before they eat. They will only drink milk, water and juice. Soft drinks and caffeine-containing beverages are not allowed. ReligionFacts.com gives an example of a meal that might include: lamb stewed on wheat berries with grilled veggies, lamb kebabs and chickpea-stuffed pilaf. This meal is often accompanied by a rich, sweet dessert like baklava. It’s a buttery kadaifi noodle pie filled with melted cheese. Many families will celebrate big festivals with friends, family and community members and eat the iftar. Google reports that Ramadan this year began on Sunday, 5th May, and ended at nighttime Monday, 3rd June.
Eid Al-Fitr, also known as Eid Al-Fitr or Eid Al-Fitr in Arabic, is a worldwide religious celebration celebrated by Muslims. It is celebrated after Ramadan. Muslims believe if they were able to maintain self-control during the month of Ramadan, Allah had blessed them. On this day they should give thanks to him. ReligionFacts.com reports that Muslims celebrate the festival not just with rituals but with thanksgiving and community. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two of Islam’s major festivals. Some countries can celebrate this festival for three days. On the first of these days, the ritual prayer will be held in the mosque. This will precede the rest celebrations. Normaly, Muslims also wear new clothing. Eid Al-Fitr days are filled with many receptions and communal gatherings. People will exchange gifts, eat lots, and visit graves. In the same way that Muslims greet Ramadan with “Id Mabarak,” it means “May God bless this feast.” Eid Al-Fitr took place from Monday June 3rd to Tuesday June 4th.
In Islamic culture, the Hajj is an obligation that all Muslims must fulfill at least once in their lifetime. This pilgrimage represents Islamic worship. The trip can last up to 10 days and is for Muslims to go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Mecca, as well as the cities surrounding it, is one of Islam’s holiest sites, where many Qur’anic stories are told about Allah. Muhammad and other prophets began their lives in Mecca. According to Qur’an there is a Pre-Islamic memorial in Mecca. Abraham built it with Ishmael’s assistance. The Kaaba was built as a sign of submission to Allah, and they prayed to be shown how to worship. It has been rebuilt many times, but Muhammad was the first to rebuild it after it was destroyed. Muslims should pray to this monument at least five times each day. The Qur’an established this direction. This pilgrimage is only available to Muslims to visit Mecca, the Kaaba and take part in Hajj. All sins from the past will be forgiven for Muslims who take part in Hajj. It is important that they have a good intention when going because Allah can determine if it’s a good intention or not. Muslims may visit Mecca throughout the entire year. However, only the twelveth month according to the Islamic calendar allows them to take part in Hajj. The women are still required to wear veil and white cloth when they participate in Hajj. White cloth symbolized purity in rituals and also disguised the wealth and status a person possessed. They must then gather in the courtyard surrounding the Kaaba after they have been changed. First, they run seven times around the Kaaba counterclockwise. They kiss and touch it in the east corner. It is believed that Gabriel gave this to Abraham. The pilgrims then run seven times between the two hills “Safa ” and “Marwah “. Qur’an explains the history of this. Abraham, known by Muslims as Ibrahim, was given a son by Allah through a girl from Egypt, Hagar. Allah told Ibrahim to leave Hajar with Ismail in the desert after Ismail’s birth. Ibrahim was reported to have left the two near where today’s Kaaba stands. Hajar ran to Allah when Ismail was thirsty in the Desert. Allah rewarded her patiently by sending an angel named Jibril, who showed them the sacred spring called the “Zamzam Well.” Muslims today drink the water and bless it before going on their next journey after running between the two hills. The groups then leave on foot, by car or bus to Mina. Eight kilometers is the distance. Then, all day they will pray in Allah’s memory. They will travel the next day at dawn to Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon. The Muslims will pray continuously throughout the day. They will then take a nine kilometer journey at night and sleep under the stars. Many people will collect pebbles the night before they travel to Mina. They perform a “Ramy” ceremony where they toss the pebbles that they have collected over the course of the night. Some people will throw their shoes and other belongings. This represents the Satanic temptation that Satan used to get Abraham to refuse Allah’s request to sacrifice Ismail. The Qur’an states that Allah intervened when Abraham attempted to kill Ismail, and instead a Ram was sacrificed in his place. Due to this, pilgrims will slaughter a ram or sheep and give the meat to the poor. The next few pilgrimage days will see Muslims returning to Mecca, where they’ll drink more from Zamzam. Hajj has many problems regarding the safety and security of those present. Traffic is heavy and people are trampled to death. The people believe that they will receive paradise immediately if Allah wants them to die. Hajj in 2020 will begin on Tuesday, 28th July, and finish on Sunday, 2nd August, evening.
Eid Al-Adha, a Muslim festival, is celebrated in the Islamic tradition. This festival can last from four to five days. Eid Al-Adha also known by the name “Festival of Sacrifice” is celebrated in honor of Abraham’s belief in Allah. This festival takes place in the last Islamic month, Dhu’l Hijja. It commemorates the day three of Hajj and the sacrifice of the ram by Allah instead of Abraham’s son Ismail. This festival symbolizes submission to Allah. Islam means the same thing. Families who can afford it will sacrifice a sheep or camel (or goat, or even a cow), as Allah did. Then, they divide the proceeds between their family and also give some to their neighbors, friends and poor. The prayer is recited while the animal is sacrificed. ReligionFacts.com says that the prayer goes: “In Allah’s name and Allah the Greatest, O Allah this is for you and from me, O Allah Accept it from Me.” On the first day, Muslims gather in local mosques and wear their finest clothes to pray together. Spending time with friends, family, and neighbors is also part of the celebration. Google says that Eid Al-Adha began on Friday evening, July 31, and ended the following morning, Thursday, July 30th.
Mila-un-Nabi is a holy holiday celebrated by both the Muslim and Indian cultures. This day, which is observed in the third Islamic month, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Shias or Sunnis may celebrate it at different times in this month. CalendarLabs.com says that Al-Khayzuran turned Muhammad’s house of birth into a temple of prayer. This holy day has become a holiday around the world and especially in Muslim nations. This holy day was celebrated by Muslims for many years. They sacrificed animals and their biggest possessions. Muslims in high positions would also exchange gifts. Sunnis celebrate Mila un Nabi differently than Shias, and so do Muslims from different countries. CalendarLabs.com says that this holy holiday is celebrated in Pakistan by raising the flag of their country on monuments nationals and then firing a gun salute to dawn. Other parts of the globe have festivals that are characterized by large items and a carnival-like atmosphere. People will give away food and exchange gifts. Mosques are illuminated and people gather together to pray.”
These festivals and holy dates, like Al-Hijra or Ashura and Eid Al-Fitr as well as Hajj and Eid Al-Adha are all traditional and historical in Muslim culture. The traditions of many festivals date back centuries to Muhammad’s time as the Islamic prophet.