Muslims

This is a Muslim festival that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to the ‘Farthest Mosque’ in Jerusalem when he ascended to heaven, was purified and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily. Who celebrates? Muslims around the world. How do people celebrate? People gather to pray at local mosques and… Read More »Lailat al Miraj

This is a Muslim festival where people seek forgiveness for their sins. It is believed to be the night when Muslim’s fortunes for the coming year are decided. It is also know as Shaban, Shab e Barat or Mid Shaban. Who celebrates? Muslims around the world. How do people celebrate? It is a night of… Read More »Lailat al Bara’ah

Ramadan is a month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims around the world. According to the Koran, the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Koran during Ramadan. Therefore, Ramadan is considered the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. Who celebrates? Muslims around the world. How do people celebrate? Observers of Ramadan… Read More »Start of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It's one of the two major holidays in the Islamic year. The evening before is known as Laylat al Kadr or Night of Power and honours the night that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Who celebrates?… Read More »Eid al Fitr – End of Ramadan

Eid-al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays and commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. Just as Ibrahim was about to kill Ishmael, God instructed him to sacrifice a ram in his place. Muslims celebrate Ibrahim's obedience to God and vow to be like him. Who… Read More »Eid al Adha

Al-Hijra is the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, and the first day of the Islamic New Year. Al-Hijra marks the day in AD622 when Muhammad and the first Muslim community migrated from Mecca to Medina. Who celebrates? Muslims around the world. How do people celebrate? Most Muslims regard the… Read More »Al-Hijra

Ashura marks the day that the grandson of the prophet Muhammad was martyred and for Shiite Muslims it also marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by the parting of the seas. Who celebrates? It is a day of remembrance for all Muslims but is celebrated differently by different Islamic… Read More »Ashura

Milad un Nabi commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. It is used by people of the Muslim faith to discuss and celebrate his birth and teachings. The day is also known as Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Mawlid or Eid-e- Milad. Who celebrates? Muslims around the world. How do people celebrate? It is celebrated with talks about the Prophet,… Read More »Milad un Nabi