Research Guides: World Religions: Islam: Major Holidays

Major Islamic Holidays

So, what Islamic holidays do Muslims even celebrate?

Islam has two official holidays: Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. The former is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan, whereas Eid Al-Adha lands on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar. It's also worth noting that Shia and Sunni Muslims do not celebrate the same holiday schedule, and that practices vary by nation—unsurprising considering there are 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of approximately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year. It takes 33 solar years for the lunar months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season. The month traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon. Starting on March 22nd, Muslims throughout the United States and the rest of the world will begin to search the sky for the new crescent or will follow a pre-determined date based on astronomical calculation.

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

- Quran 2:185

Ramadan Information Sheet
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.
Ramadan: 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask
Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture
The sighting of a new crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan, a time for piety and self-reflection.
See how almost a quarter of humanity ushered in Ramadan, their holiest month
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, began this weekend for the 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. From sun-up to sundown, the physically able among them will fast — abstaining not just from food but also so much as a sip of water.
Ramadan The Practice of Fasting
During the holy month of Ramadan, which occurs on the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar, all Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk for 30 days. Because Ramadan shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year on the solar-based Gregorian calendar, Muslims experience Ramadan in different seasons throughout the course of the lives.
Center for Spiritual Life
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims. During this month, Muslims observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink, not even water, during these daylight hours.

Eid ul-Fitr

Eid translates to “the festival of breaking the fast”, marking it as a celebration of the ending of the month-long fast of Ramadan. This festival is a particularly significant time for Muslims across the globe to join together and partake in the celebration. After a month of abstinence and devotion to Allah, the festival allows Muslims to reward themselves with what they previously gave up in the name of their faith.

Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. It can be translated as "the feast of fast-breaking" as it commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims who are able to do so will fast from before dawn until after sunset each day.
Eid al Fitr | All About the Holidays
Eid al Fitr is a three day holiday that ends the Islamic month of Ramadan. Known as the "Festival of breaking fast," Muslims will celebrate with family and food after the end of a long fast, joining with one another for prayer and other traditions.
Eid ul Fitr - Teaching Resources
To support teaching around Eid ul Fitr here is a collection of BBC resources for use in the classroom.
Learning about Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha
Appreciation of other cultures requires nurturing our sense of tolerance and acceptance. The more we understand and appreciate each other, the more we strengthen the social fabric of our city and our schools.
Learning Activities for the Islamic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr
These activities promote an understanding of the Islamic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr, which is a Muslim holy day, with students who are blind or visually impaired.

Eid ul-Adha

The second of two great Muslim festivals, Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) and is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. As with Eid al-Fitr, it is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer called salat at daybreak on its first day.

EID AL-ADHA
The Feast of Sacrifice, one of the two most important holidays in Islam. The Eid is especially significant because it marks the end of the annual Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca, celebrated in the final month of the (lunar) Islamic calendar. The annual Hajj is the fifth “pillar of Islam” and is an obligation for all Muslims at least once in their lifetime if they are able. Eid al-Adha is the climax of the Hajj at sundown on the 12th day of the 12th month.
Eid al-Adha: The Feast of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims all over the world as a major holiday for a period of three to fours days. The majority of Muslims will attend the special prayers held at different major mosques and Islamic centers in the United States and all over the world.
Eid ul-Adha
In this lesson, we will be looking at the end of the two Id celebrations known as Eid ul-Adha. This is a significant and special Id which occurs during the month of Dhu al Hijjah and commemorates the life of Prophet Ibrahim. Any reference to verses from the Qur'an mentioned or included within this lesson are sourced from 'Quranic Arabic Corpus' using the Sahih International translation.

World Religions: Islam

Special Islamic Days

Eid Playlist

Major Islamic Holidays

Ramadan

Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Adha