Celebration/Festivals/Holiday
Ramadan
Ramadan is where Muslims fast for a month from the breaking dawn until the setting of the sun in the ninth month of the islamic calendar. Ramadan is practiced because muslims can learn self discipline, become spiritually stronger, appreciate god's gift, share the sufferings of the poor and realize the value of charity, give thanks for the Holy Qur'an that was revealed in the month of Ramadan and share fellowship with other Muslims. For a month, Muslims are not allowed to eat food, drink, or have a sexual activities since it is a time for inner reflection, devotion to god, and self-control. There are three major reasons why Ramadan is considered important. First, the Qur'an was revealed during this month. Second, the gates of heaven are open. Third, the gate of hell are closed and the devils are chained up in hell. Ramadan ends with the festival called Eid ul-Fitr which is marked by dressing up and visiting the mosque for prayer. uring the last 10 days of the fasting, Muslims pray all night to show their fidelity to god. Also, muslims have celebratory meals by visiting their family and friends.
"Kullu am wa antum bi-khair" (May you be well throughout the year) Muslims use phrases to congratulate on another for the completion of the fasting,
"Kullu am wa antum bi-khair" (May you be well throughout the year) Muslims use phrases to congratulate on another for the completion of the fasting,
Mawild
Mawild is the celebration of Muhammads's birthday. They commemorate the birthday by reciting the story of his life, to children and adults. As Mohammad was the perfect Prophet, and the best of all role models Allah said,"Truly, yours is a tremendous character." Lights are to be lighted up in the streets to show devotion and faithfulness is celebrating Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
Al-Hijra
Al-Hijra, also known as Muharram is the Islamic New Year which is the first day of Muharram, the month Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Muslims consider this day as a time for reflection on the past year and the year to come.
Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha marks and celebrates the end of the hajj, the fifth of the Five Pillar of Islam and the faith of Ibrahim. During this day Muslims praise each other for the completion of the pilgrimage and also if they can afford it, they sacrifice an animal such as cow, camel, sheep, goat and share them with friends, neighbors, and the poor which is called Qurban.
Ashura
Ashura is a holiday on the 10th of the first month of the Islamic calendar which separates the Sunni muslims and the Shi'ites muslims. The two distinct group view and practice the holiday differently. While the Sunnis believe that the fasting done during Ashura is voluntary, the Shi'ites believe that Asura is a major festival where everyone is required to fast. Also, the Shi'ites perform rituals and ceremonies which mainly focuses on expressing their mourning and grief. They express them by whipping themselves on the back, beating their head, and cutting themselves. Such actions are done to connect themselves with Husayn's hardships an death to salvation on the Day of Judgement.