Islamic Holidays

Islam has relatively few holidays compared to most other religions. Traditionally, Muslims celebrate just two major festivals ('Id Al-Fitr and 'Id Al-Adha), a month of daytime fasting (Ramadan), and a day of voluntary fasting ('Ashura, also an important Shiite festival).

The popular festival of Mawlid an-Nabi celebrates the birthday of the Prophet, but is frowned upon as an idolatrous innovation by conservative Muslims. Most Islamic holidays either commemorate events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad or are special days founded by him.

• The Islamic Calendar
• Al-Hijra: Islamic New Year
• Ramadan: Month of Fasting
• 'Id Al-Fitr: Festival of Breaking the Fast
• 'Id Al-Adha: Festival of the Sacrifice
• Ashura: Remembering Shiite Martyr Husayn
• Mawlid: Muhammad's Birthday - coming soon