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 10th 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.
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