Muslim Holidays in an Islamic Year
Muslims are the followers of Islam, which is the second biggest religion in the world. About twenty five percent or 1.6 billion of the world population are Muslims. The Muslim industry is so huge that many non-Muslim countries try to cater to their needs like having a halal restaurant in tokyo and states. In the Muslim world, Muslims celebrate two biggest holidays. These two biggest Muslim holidays are Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.
How Many Muslim Holidays Are There?
There are also many other Muslim holidays that are celebrated by the entire Muslim world. Some celebrations are specific to specific Muslim groups, while others are celebrated by other factions of Muslims. But the entire Muslim world celebrates Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha on the same days.
Eidul Fitr (Sweet Eid for Muslims)
This is the first big Eid of the Islamic year. It is celebrated after the end of Ramadhan. In the Ramadhan, the entire Muslim followers are instructed to fast for a month. During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims also perform Zakat Al Fitr. Zakat Al Fitr is the act of donating a certain amount of money to the poor. It is compulsory for all Muslims as long as they have the means to do so.
After 30 days of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitr as a reward from God. Upon the sighting of the Shawal moon, the month of Ramadhan comes to an end and Muslims can begin the Eidul Fitr celebrations. The next day, celebrations continue with the performance of the Eidul Fitr morning prayers, followed by visiting family members and loved ones to seek forgiveness and strengthen bonds. Eid ul Fitr lasts for thirty days in which the first day is given preference. For thirty days, Muslims savor upon the celebratory meals and visiting family and friends.
Eid ul Adha
This is the second and biggest Muslim holiday. This is considered “Big Eid” by Muslims. Eid Ul Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the Dhul Haj. In the month of Eid ul Adha, the haj pilgrimage takes place. The main part of the haj pilgrimage takes place for four days. 09th Dhul Haj is the main haj pilgrimage day. So, the Biggest Eid of the Islamic year is celebrated the next day (10th Dhul Haj).
Similar to the Eid ul Fitr, celebrations of the Muslims begin in the morning. At the scheduled time, special prayers are performed by Muslims in the morning. After the prayers, livestock such as goats, cows and camels are slaughtered by Muslims. Festivities of Eid last for three days. Slaughtering of animals and distribution of the meat is carried out for three days as well.
On the Eid ul Adha, acts of zakat may also be performed.
Celebrations of Friendships and Togetherness
These two are the biggest holidays of the year. Muslims are taught to share and give in the Eid days. Friendlier relations and family bonds are celebrated. Islamic clerics and Ulemas suggest celebrating togetherness and forgiving the ones who had wronged you. On these special days, Muslims are commanded to celebrate family bonds, friendship as well as care for each other.
When Are Muslim Holidays Celebrated?
Both of these holidays are determined according to the Islamic lunar calendar. This is different from the Solar Gregorian calendar. This is why Muslim holidays are observed on different Gregorian dates every year.