Festivals

• Why are they important?

  • Give a sense of identity and belonging to the religion
  • To remember past events and import people
  • Opportunity for reflection and education about the faith
  • Strengthens the ummah
  • Unites Muslims
  • Connects Muslims with the worldwide community
  • Get closer to God
• Id-Ul-Adha

  • At the end of Hajj
  • Festival of sacrifice
  • Remembers Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God asked him to
  • Story found in Surah 37
  • Reminds Muslim of how they should apply Ibrahim's faith to their own lives
  • They celebrate with the sacrifices of an animal which is shared among family, friends and the poor.
  • Prayers, cards and presents are given
• Id-ul-fitr

  • End of Ramadan
  • A time to celebrate and thank Allah for his help in getting through fasting
  • Express gratitude
  • Wear new clothes
  • Exchange gifts
  • Zakah is due
  • Muslims celebrate with family and the ummah
  • Homes are decorated
  • special services and a mandatory meal is shared
• Ashura

  • Tenth day of Muharran, first month of the Islamic calendar
  • A day of fasting and mourning.
  • Shias reenact the battle of Karbala in which Hussian died
  • Sunnis remember how Noah and Moses saved the Israelites from the Egyptians
  • Go to mosque
  • Pray
  • No listening to music