The Islamic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic or lunar calendar depends on the moon. Hence, Muslim events are also determined by the position and sighting of the crescent moon. Thus, you will only find the accurate dates of such events at the nearest Muslim center or mosque.
So, if you’re curious to understand the cultural significance and essence of Islamic events, this article will help you with just that.
5 Events in Islam Celebrated All Over the World
- Al-Hijra – Al-Hijra is the Islamic New Year that starts on the month of Muharram. In 2023 Al-Hijra falls on July 29th; however, it is best to confirm the date from the local Muslim center or a mosque. According to the religion, this day marks Hijra, the day Prophet Muhammad left Mecca to set up the Islamic state in Medina. Even though it is not a widespread practice, some members of this faith fast during the daylight hours of Al-Hijra.
- Hajj Festival – Hajj is the annual practice of pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. The Hajj festival also celebrates an occurrence in the life of Ibrahim, the prophet and apostle of Allah. According to this religion, Allah appeared in Ibrahim’s dream and instructed him to sacrifice his son Ishmael. However, at the time of the sacrifice, a lamb was offered by Allah’s intervention.
- Eid-al-adha – In the Islamic calendar, there are two major festivals of Eid celebrated worldwide. Eid-al-adha is celebrated by sacrificing an animal and offering its meat to Allah. Then the flesh is shared in three crucial components – for family, for relatives and friends, and poor. Muslims believe observing this four-day festival creates the Old Testament passage for Allah to come down to earth and save the son of Ishmael.
- Ramadan – Ramadan is the holy month of fasting when practicing Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. The pre-dawn meal, or the first meal, is called Suhoor. It is best to avoid food rich in salt and simple sugar during Suhoor. These foods tend to dehydrate the body and make you crave food and beverages throughout the day. The fast-breaking meal after the evening prayer is Iftar.
- Eid-ul-fitr – Eid-ul-fitr marks the end of the month-long sunrise-to-sunset fasting, Ramadan. Depending on the country, this festival of Eid is a three-day celebration. To celebrate the end of Ramadan 2023, people living in UAE will get a four-day holiday. It is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid. It also has a specific prayer designated solely for this day. Eid-ul-Fitr is usually celebrated on the first day of the tenth Islamic month, Shawwal.
In Conclusion
The UAE region has a very distinct cultural identity on a global stage. People equate the UAE with a disciplined life and a traditional and religious opulent lifestyle. Therefore, observing the religious and cultural festivals is crucial here.
You can enhance your understanding of cardinal Muslim events by reading more about them and researching their observation.
