6 Islamic Festivals And Celebrations Holidays You Need To Know

Islamic festivals and celebrations are an important part related to the Islamic calendar and are celebrated by Muslims all over the world. Allah (SWT) made these festivals and celebrations not only to be a time to celebrate and enjoy with friends and family, but they also hold great religious significance and inspiration for Muslim lives. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar-based calendar used by Muslims all over the world to determine the dates of religious events such as the Hajj Pilgrimage and the fasting month of Ramadan. The calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, with each month beginning with the sighting of the new moon. Islamic festivals and celebrations are an important part of the Islamic calendar and hold great religious significance for Muslims. They allow Muslims a chance to meet together to rejoice, contemplate, and express gratitude to Allah. These holidays and celebrations also help to remind Muslims of the significant occasions in Islamic history and the principles they uphold.
Let’s explore some of the most important Islamic festivals and celebrations:

The Celebration of Eid al-Fitr Feast

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important festivals in Islam. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a time for Muslims to celebrate with their families and friends. It is a day of joy and happiness, and Muslims dress up in their finest clothes, exchange gifts and prepare special meals. Muslims also attend special prayers in the morning and give charity to the poor and needy.

The Celebration of Eid al-Adha Feast

Eid al-Adha is an important festival in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. During this festival, Muslims commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah (SWT). Muslims who can afford it also make Udhiyah or sacrifice an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, and distribute the charity meat to the poor and needy. The festival is also a time for Muslims to spend time with their families and friends and to give thanks to Allah for his blessings. Eid al-Adha lasts for four days.

On Eid morning, Muslims dress up and go to Eid Prayer.

1. They say Takbeer together,
2. They pray Two Raka’aat of Salatul-Eid
3. Then they listen to a special Eid Khutbah, or speech
4. Then everyone hugs and says: Eid Mubarak!!!
5. Children receive gifts and money
6. Families visit each other and eat Yummy food

Allah Loves us. He gave us Eid so we can celebrate and be happy. Muslims should always be generous and give the poor as much as they can so all Muslims can have a beautiful Eid.

Mawlid al-Nabi – The Prophet’s Birthday Celebration

Mawlid al-Nabi is celebrated to mark the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the messenger of God. It is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. The day is marked with special prayers, sermons, and the reading of the Prophet’s biography. Muslims also decorate their homes and streets with lights and banners to celebrate the occasion.

The Celebration of Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is one of the most important nights in Islam. It is believed to be the night on which the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims spend the night in prayer, seeking Allah’s blessings and forgiveness and reading Quran. It is believed that the rewards of worship on this night are greater than any other night of the year as mentioned in the Surah named by its name “Al- Qadr”.

"We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree, And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn."

The Celebration of Ashura Day

Ashura is a day of mourning and remembrance for Muslims. It is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The day commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain, and his companions at the Battle of Karbala. Muslims observe the day by fasting, attending special prayers, and giving charity to the poor and needy.

The Celebration of Isra and Miraj (Lailat al Miraj)

Isra and Miraj is an important event in Islamic tradition as it reaffirms the Prophet Muhammad’s status as the final prophet and messenger of Allah. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, prayer, and believing in only one God. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and his ascension to the heavens (Miraj). According to Islamic tradition, one night, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet Muhammad and took him on a journey on a winged horse-like creature called Buraq. The journey took the Prophet from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, where the prophet Muhammad led a group of prophets in prayer. After the prayer in Jerusalem, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken on a journey through the seven heavens, where he met various prophets and received revelations from Allah. He also saw many wonders, such as the Tree of Life and the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary. This story is mentioned in Surah Al- Isra:”

Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing."

Conclusion

Celebrations in Islam are crucial to Muslims’ daily life. Muslims gather throughout these times to rejoice, reflect, and worship Allah with their family and communities. Islamic Celebrations are also an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their bonds with their families and communities and to build bridges of understanding and goodwill with people of other faiths and cultures. They provide a sense of community and belonging to the Islamic Ummah and help to reinforce the importance of family, friendship, and solidarity. If you are interested to learn more about Islam Hamil Al Quran Academy offers free online Islamic courses with certificates trials for beginners, Enroll now!