Islamic Festivals Eids
Islamic Festivals Muharram (1 Muharram) The Islamic New Year The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. The Islamic year begins on the first day of Muharram, and is counted from the year of the Hegira (anno Hegirae)—the year in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina (A.D. July 16, 622). The new year in 2008 marks the beginning of A.H. 1429. The Islamic new year is celebrated relatively quietly, with prayers and readings and reflection upon the hegira. Mawlid al-Nabi (12 Rabi 1) Prophet Muhammad's Birthday This holiday celebrates the birthday of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is fixed as the 12th day of the month of Rabi I in the Islamic calendar. Mawlid means birthday of a holy figure and al-Nabi means prophet. The day is commemorated with recollections of Muhammad's life and significance. Fundamentalist Muslims, such as the Wahhabi sect, do not celebrate it. Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal) The Celebration concluding Ramadan Ramadan, the month ...