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Holidays and Festivals Around the World
Islam
Islam was founded in 622 by the Prophet Muhammad. It is an offshoot of Judaism and Christianity. The angel Gabriel revealed the words of Allah (God) to Muhammad who preserved them in the Holy Quran.
Islam currently has about 1.3 billion followers worldwide. Muslims believe in one Allah who is the creator of the World. The main message of Islam is to worship Allah and treat every creature with kindness and compassion.
There are five Pillars of Islam:
- To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship save Allah and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.
- To observe Prayer (Salat).
- To Pay Zakat (Alms giving)
- To perform the Pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Hajj).
- To Observe fasting during Ramadhan." (Bukhari)
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January 9 |
Al-Hijra | Islamic New Year. It marks the Hijra when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Meina and set up the first Islamic state. | |
January 19 |
Ashura | This day is a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, who was a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. His death led to Islam splitting into two main sects, the Sunnis and the Shi’ites. | |
March 20 |
Milad un Nabi (Sunni) | It is a celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth and death. It is a very subdued holiday since it is the date of the Prophets death, and there is no evidence that the Prophet celebrated his birthday. | |
March 25 |
Milad un Nabi (Shi'a) | It is a celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth and death. It is a very subdued holiday since it is the date of the Prophets death, and there is no evidence that the Prophet celebrated his birthday. | |
August 11 |
Lailat al Miraj | This festival commemorates the ascension of the Prophet Mohammed to heaven, where Allah instructed him on the five daily prayers required of every Muslim. | |
September 2 |
Ramadan - Start |
Ramadan celebrates the Qur'an being revealed and Allah closing the gates of hell and opening the gates of heaven because this month has been blessed by him. | |
October 9 |
Lailat al -Quadr |
It marks the anniversary on which the Prophet Muhammad had the Qur'an revealed to him by Allah. | |
October 1 |
Eid-Ul-Fitr | It is to thank Allah and to celebrate the end of Fasting. | |
December 8 |
Hajj - Start |
A compulsory pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime for Muslims who are and good health and can afford to go. | |
December 11 |
Eid-Ul-Adha |
A festival to celebrate the end of Hajj | |
| *Holidays in bold are the most important holidays. | |||
Last Updated: 12-Mar-2008
Michigan Technological University is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and culture where voices and people from all ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and ages are valued and respected. As a special University initiative, the information about “Holidays and Festivals Around the World” is researched, collated and presented in this web link. We understand that the material may not be inclusive of all holidays and festivals and there may be many information updates, enhancements and corrections needed for this link. IPS welcomes contributions from community members to enhance our understanding and knowledge of global diversity. Community members can send additional information or any corrections or updates to ips@mtu.edu.