Appendix I

What are some important dates in the Islamic Year?

There are a number of important dates in the Islamic calendar. Some of them are described below:

The first day of the month of Muharram announces the new hijri year, and the tenth of this month is known as Ashurah. Muslims believe the tenth of Muharram to be the day when Moses led his people out of Egyptian bondage. It is also the date on which the Prophet’s grandson Husayn and his family were killed by the forces of Yazid, the second Umayyad ruler. All Muslims mourn this tragic event.

Laylat al-Qadr, or the “Night of Power,” is one of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. It is significant as the night on which in 610 C.E. Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Qur’an. Muslims commemorate this night, believed to fall on the 27th of Ramadan, by offering additional prayers and supplications late into the night. It is said the blessings for praying on this night are greater than those received for praying for a thousand months.

The 27th of the month of Rajab is the date for Laylat al-Miraj. On this date Muslims recall Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and thence to Heaven atop the heavenly steed known as Buraq. According to tradition, during this Night Journey and Ascension, which took place in 619 C.E., Muhammad received instructions for instituting the salah, or formal worship. Islam’s connection with previous monotheistic religious traditions was also reiterated, as the Prophet met all of his predecessors during his experience.

What holidays do Muslims celebrate?

There are two major holidays in Islam:

Eid al-Fitr takes place on the 1st of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar year, at the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting. The holiday celebration begins early in the morning with a special congregational worship. The Eid prayers are often held in a specially designated gathering place, such as a park or convention center, meant to accomodate large numbers of Muslims from several local masjids.

After the prayer, the imam (worship leader) delivers a short khutbah (sermon or address). Then everyone rises to their feet to greet and hug one another. The rest of the festival’s observances are held among family and friends, and include visits, shared meals, new clothes, gifts for young children, and lots of sweets. In Muslim countries, festivities are often in evidence for three or more days. In order to share the spirit of the occasion with all members of society, Muslims pay a special nominal charity tax which is used to purchase food, clothing and gifts for needy persons.

Eid al-Adha takes place on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar), after the majority of Hajj rituals are completed by pilgrims. Around the world, Muslims share in the spirit of the Hajj by observing the Eid festivities in their own localities. The day’s observances are similar to those of Eid al-Fitr, with the addition of a special sacrifice-Muslims commemorate Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishma’il when he was instructed in his dream to do so as a test of his commitment. Since God miraculously provided a lamb to Abraham which took the place of his son, Muslims recall the event by sacrificing animals such as lambs, goats, sheep, cows or camels. The sacrifice may be performed any time after the Eid morning prayers until the evening of the twelfth of Dhul-Hijjah. The meat of the sacrificed animals is distributed to the poor or needy, and portions are kept for one’s own family and friends during this time of extra charity and hospitality.

Do Muslims celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad?

The birth of Prophet Muhammad is commemorated on the twelfth of the month of Rabi al-Awwal. Rather than celebrating the event with festivities or fanfare, most Muslims take the opportunity to study more about the Prophet and his deeds, since Muslims consider him to be the best example of how one should lead his or her life. While the Prophet’s birth date is an important event recognized by Muslims, it is not an official religious holiday like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.