Special Days of Celebration, Festivals, Holidays
Eid Al-Fitr
First celebrated in 624 CE by the prophet Muhammad and his friends, Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. In Eid Al-Fitr, people usually give charity to the poor. This special day is also known as the 'Little Festival'. Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of the month of Shawwal. Muslims thank Allah for lending them the strength to practice self-control during Ramadan.
First celebrated in 624 CE by the prophet Muhammad and his friends, Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. In Eid Al-Fitr, people usually give charity to the poor. This special day is also known as the 'Little Festival'. Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of the month of Shawwal. Muslims thank Allah for lending them the strength to practice self-control during Ramadan.
Eid Al-Adha
It is known as the Great or Major festival. It is a major Islamic festival that takes place at the end of Haji. Eid Al-Adha marks the end of the Haji, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals, distribute meat to family, friends, and the poor. Eid Al-Adha is also a festival of sacrifice, where animals are killed for food. Families offer their best animal to give thanks to god. Animals are sacrificed and then distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each receive a third share. This sacrifice in the festival is called the Qurban.
*Eid Al-Fitr or Eid Al-Ahda is also called 'Hari Raya'.*
It is known as the Great or Major festival. It is a major Islamic festival that takes place at the end of Haji. Eid Al-Adha marks the end of the Haji, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals, distribute meat to family, friends, and the poor. Eid Al-Adha is also a festival of sacrifice, where animals are killed for food. Families offer their best animal to give thanks to god. Animals are sacrificed and then distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each receive a third share. This sacrifice in the festival is called the Qurban.
*Eid Al-Fitr or Eid Al-Ahda is also called 'Hari Raya'.*
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holy month when Muslims fast during daylight hours. For those who are able to are required to refrain from evil thoughts and deeds, food and drink, and sexual activities from dawn to dusk during the time of a whole month. The beginning and end of the Ramadan are declared when one witness testifies before the authorities that the new moon has been sighted.
Why is it important?
-The Qur'an was first revealed during this month.
-The Gates of Heaven are open.
-The Gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holy month when Muslims fast during daylight hours. For those who are able to are required to refrain from evil thoughts and deeds, food and drink, and sexual activities from dawn to dusk during the time of a whole month. The beginning and end of the Ramadan are declared when one witness testifies before the authorities that the new moon has been sighted.
Why is it important?
-The Qur'an was first revealed during this month.
-The Gates of Heaven are open.
-The Gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up.
Ashura
Ashura is a day of volunteering fasting. It has been a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims since the days of the early Muslim community. It marks two historical events events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah. Shi'a Muslims spend this day commemorating martyrdrom of Hussein, grandson of a Prophet, in 680 C.E.
Ashura is a day of volunteering fasting. It has been a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims since the days of the early Muslim community. It marks two historical events events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah. Shi'a Muslims spend this day commemorating martyrdrom of Hussein, grandson of a Prophet, in 680 C.E.
Mawlid an-Nabi
It marks the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The date is crucial for the Muslims because the birth of Muhammad is regarded as the greatest blessing in humanity. He is respected as the chief of the prophets and because of him, the Qur'an was revealed to the entire world. But at the same time it is a quiet, hushed festival because it is the same day as the anniversary of the death of the Prophet. During this event, there are public gatherings of Muslims. At these meetings religious leaders make speeches of the life of the Prophet.
It marks the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The date is crucial for the Muslims because the birth of Muhammad is regarded as the greatest blessing in humanity. He is respected as the chief of the prophets and because of him, the Qur'an was revealed to the entire world. But at the same time it is a quiet, hushed festival because it is the same day as the anniversary of the death of the Prophet. During this event, there are public gatherings of Muslims. At these meetings religious leaders make speeches of the life of the Prophet.
These are some of the videos that describe how people celebrate Hari Raya, or Eid Al-Fitr.
Source: http://www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H3rv9siG_8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOCkWi0Kv6U
Source: http://www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H3rv9siG_8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOCkWi0Kv6U