The Islam celebrates a number of special occasions which are observed with devotion and joy to seek the pleasure of, and as a thanksgiving to Allah . Islamic festivals are observed according to the Islamic calendar. Festival dates are determined by the phases of the moon. These are the following festivals:

Eid al Adha

Begins on the 10th of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and continues till the 13th. This celebration is observed to commemorate the willingness of Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice his own son Ishmael. Abraham showed his readiness and Allah was very pleased. A lamb was sacrificed instead of Ishmael on Allah’s command. Muslims offer congregational prayer on the day, and afterwards they sacrifice animals to seek the pleasure of Allah . The meat of the animal is shared amongst poor, relatives, neighbors and friends.


Hijra

Refers to the migration of the Prophet Mohammed and his followers to Medina, which is assumed to have taken place 16 July C.E. 622 (Julian calendar). The year of Mohammed's hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.


Ashurah

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas, (ra). The Holy Prophet, when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews. It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith.


Milad al Nabi

This is the birthday celebration of the Prophet Mohammed and is celebrated by Muslims as Eid al Milad. Prophet Mohammed was born Arabia in the city of Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which was Monday the 20th day of April, 571 A.C. This is also his death anniversary. The occasion is celebrated by remembering the favors bestowed on the Ummah , the first is the revelation of the Holy Qu'ran with its instructions, the second, the institution of an Ever living Guide who would advise the believers according to the needs of the time.


Isra & Miraaj
On 27th Rajab the night of Lailat ul Miraj is celebrated by fasting and worship. This is the night journey which Prophet Mohammed took when he ascended to heaven where he met with God Almighty.

Ramadan

This is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when the holy Qu'ran was revealed to the Mohammed , through the Angel Gabriel. It's the month of fasting, when all healthy adult Muslims should fast from sunrise to sunset. The fasting festival that fills the entire month.


Lailat al Qadr
The night in which Prophet Mohammed first received the message from Allah communicated by the Angel Gabriel is referred to in the Qu'ran as 'The Night of Power'.

From sound traditions of the Prophet we know that Lailat al Qadr is one of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadan. Prophet Mohammed used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights of Ramadan to a greatest extent than at any other time. In most Muslim countries, the night of 27th of Ramadan, that is, the night preceding the twenty-seventh day is observed as Lailat al Qadr. In the Qu'ran it is said about this Night:

Surah 97.Al-Qadr (Power), verse 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 : We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace!...This until the rise of morn!



Eid al Fitr
One of the major festivals is observed on the first day after the month of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims express their joy and relief by offering a congregational prayer gratitude to Allah for giving them their strength to fast for the whole month of Ramadan. The day is a religious holiday in all Muslim countries. Special food is prepared, and it is customary to visit friends and relatives and to give presents to children to make the occasion lively and special for them. Muslims generally wear their best or new clothes of Idul Fitr. The occasion is known as the time of Zakat al Fitr, the time for the payment of zakat.