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| SIGNIFICANCE OF SPECIAL ISLAMIC DAYS |
| Islamic New Year First day of the Islamic calendar. There are no religious ceremonies or observances associated with this day. However, the Islamic calendar is based upon the migration (hijrah) of Muhammad (pbuh) to Madinah, after which the formal Muslim community was established. The Islamic New Year, therefore, evokes much significance, including the importance of the Hijrah, and the establishment of the Islamic community (ummah). Aashura Day Fasting on the 10th day of Muharram ('Aashura day) was instituted after the Prophet's (pbuh) arrival in Madinah. This fast was subsequently replaced with the fasting of Ramadhan, but it remained a voluntary day of fasting thereafter. The day is also associated with the martyrdom of Husain ibn Ali, who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Husain was killed in battle in Karbala' (in modern day Iraq) on Aashura Day in 680 C.E. Isra'a and Miraj Night in which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made a miraculous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, and made an ascension into Heaven. The date of the night of Isra'a and Miraj is recognized and remembered, but the night of Isra'a and Miraj is not considered an official religioius holiday. Ramadhan Ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Considered a holy month in which the first revelations of the Qur'an were sent down. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset every day of Ramadhan, do extra righteous deeds, and focus on their faith and actions. Laylat ul-Qadr Special night during the month of Ramadhan in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh). Laylat ul-Qadr is usually celebrated on one of the last ten nights of Ramadhan. It is believed that the prayers of the faithful are readily heard and accepted on this night, therefore many Muslims spend the night in the mosque in prayer and repentance. 'Eid al-Fitr One of the only two Islamic holidays officially recognized by all Muslims. Feast celebrated at the conclusion of the fasting period of Ramadhan. Hajj The days in which Muslims make the sacred pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah. Muslims from all ethnic, racial, economic, and ideological backgrounds gather in Makkah to be reminded of their common humanity, and their common goal of service to God and their dedication to their Faith in Him. Day of Arafat Ninth day of Dhulhijjah, the pilgrimage month. Day in which pilgrims in Makkah stand to on the plain of 'Arafah to pray, and many non-pilgrmis around the world fast and prepare for 'Eid ul-Adha that will follow. 'Eid ul-Adha The second of the two universally recognized Islamic holidays. Celebrated at the conclusion of the Hajj period. Special prayers are performed in the morning. Animals are sacrificed and the meat is given to the poor and hungry, friends, and family. The animal sacrifice is done out of thankfulness, piety, and obedience, and in commemoration of the willingness of the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God. |