Festivals

• Id-Ul-Adha (End of Haji)


  The Festival of Sacrifice
• Id-Ul-Adha

  • Remembers Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God asked him to
  • Story is found in Surah 37
  • Reminds Muslims of the test of faith faced by Ibrahim and how they should apply this to their own lives
  • Signifies the end of Hajj
  • Muslims remember their own willingness to sacrifice anything to God's wishes
  • They celebrate with the sacrifices of an animal, which is shared among family, friends and the poor
  • Prayers, card and presents are given
• Id-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan)


  A time to celebrate and thank Allah for his help in getting through the month of fasting
• Id-ul-Fitr

  • Express gratitude, wear new clothes, exchange gifts
  • Zakat becomes due
  • Muslims celebrate with their family and community
  • Homes are decorated - there will be special services and a celebratory meal is shared
  • Wish one another 'Eid Mubarak'
• Ashura (Tenth day of Muharran, first month of Islamic calendar)


  A day of fasting and mourning
• Ashura


  • Remember how Nuh (Noah) left the Ark and how Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from the Egyptians
  • Muhammad had observed Jews fasting (to remember Moses saving the Israelites) and adopted this practice
  • Shi'a Muslims also mourn the martyrdom at Karbala in 680CE of Hussain, who was a grandson of Prophet Muhammad
  • They may wear black and no music is allowed
• Why are they important?

  • Give a sense of identity and belonging to the religion

  • To remember past events and important people within the Islamic religion - opportunity for reflection and education about faith

  To strengthen the ummah

  • To unite Muslim communities/families

  • To connect Muslims with the worldwide community

  To share Islamic beliefs

  • To mark key events in the Islamic calendar through the year - creates tradition

  Express gratitude

  Grow closer to God

  Strengthen your belief