A Guide to The Key Festivals in Islam

There are a number of key festivals that take place in Islam. Each one occurs on a specific date and carries its own significance. Muslims are encouraged to learn about them and embark upon them with great fervor and festivity.

Whether it is Ramadan, Hajj, Eid ul Fitr or Eid ul Azha, the festivities are plenty in number. Each one comes with its due share of preparations and great auspicious meaning. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Its end is signified by Eid ul Fitr. Zul Hijjah contains great Hajj. The first ten days are very significant as they mark a period of great religious importance. The tenth day of Zul Hijjah is termed as Eid ul Azha.

To help you gain greater insight and knowledge upon the key festivals in Islam, we’ve described each one in detail just for you. So let’s take a look!

The main two key celebratory festivals in Islam is Eid

When it comes to absolute celebrations and festivities, there is one word that comes into every Muslim’s mind. And that is Eid. Eid ul Azha and Eid ul Fitr are both termed as celebrations of great importance.

While the two Eid’s have quite a few similarities, there are some appreciable differences that must be mentioned too. The similarities include waking up early in the morning, showering and getting dressed in the best of attire. It should be remembered that both these festivals depend on the sighting of the moon.

All Muslims then offer their Eid prayers in congregation at the mosque and greet their fellow brothers in the best of manners. This is usually followed by the exchange of gifts, money and glad tidings, all alongside a feast of delicious dishes and great cheer with loved ones.

Taking a closer look at the Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr

The end of the holy month of Ramadan is awaited by many. While this beautiful month of blessings is termed holy for all its valid reasons, its end can be marked by the Eid ul Fitr. This is a day where all Muslims must offer a small part of their wealth, termed as fitrana or Zakat ul Fitr before the Eid prayers commence.

This offering is made to those less fortunate such as the underprivileged members of society. This has been termed obligatory on all affording Muslims as a means of sharing their wealth with the poor so they may celebrate its too.

Observing the Islamic festival of Eid ul Azha

Eidul Adha is known to take place on the 10^th of the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. The festival marks the day when the Hajj pilgrims have completed their pilgrimage and offer the sacrificing ritual. This ritual is in context to the sacrifice made by Hazrat Ibrahim to ALLAH SWT where he was ordained to sacrifice his son Ismail. Instead, ALLAH replaced his son with a ram.

Today, Muslims around the world offer a donation or Qurbani of livestock slaughtering. This can be a cow, goat, camel, buffalo or even a sheep. The meat is then distributed into three separate portions. One is given to the poor, one to neighbors and then one for family.

It is the duty of every Muslim to celebrate and acquire knowledge regarding Islamic festivals. They carry due significance and must be honored with their respective rights and rituals.