Islamic Festivals

Ramadan

• Name for the 12th Islamic month, the month in which Muhammad received the first revelation from God
• All healthy Muslims are too fast during daylight hours
• After eating a full meal, Muslims say an evening prayer
• Just before dawn, most also have a light meal
• At the break of dawn, the first prayers are recited
• Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan
• The “Night of Power” occurs during one of the last ten nights which commemorates the actual time when the first revelation was given to Muhammad

Eid al-Fitr

• The festival of the Breaking of the Fast
• It marks the end of Ramadan
• Families come together for a festive meal in homes

Eid al-Adha

• The Great Festival of Sacrifice
• 10th month of Islamic calendar – generally celebrated at the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca
• Marks Abraham’s submission to will of God & his willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael
• As the Angel Gabriel substituted a ram for Ismael, Muslims slaughter an animal and share it with the family and those in need