Festivals Flashcards
Id-ul-Adha
It is known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ and happens at the end of hajj every year
Id-ul-Adha - remembers
It remembers when Allah provided a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead of his son, Isma’il.
Id-ul-Adha - How is the festival celebrated?
The festival usually begins with prayers at the mosque and the delivery of a serom (khutbah)
Special Id prayers may be said in the open air. Then Muslims greet each other, saying ‘Id Mubarak’.
Many children receive presents and some Muslims also send cards to their family and friends.
An animal is selected for sacrifice
Meat in Id Ul Adha
the meat is roasted and divided into three portions (one third is kept by the family, one third is given to friends and relatives, one third is given to the poor).
What is the importance of Id-ul-Adha? What are the benefits for the individual and the ummah?
It demonstrates Muslims’ willingness to make sacrifices for Allah
It shows Allah that they are thankful for what He gives, especially food.
It helps develop asense of the ummah (Muslim community), both in the gathering of prayers, but also in the distribution of meat.
It shows support for Muslims who have completed Hajj.
Id-ul-Fitr
Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan when the crescent moon is sighted.
Id-ul-Fitr - How is the festival celebrated?
Muslims give zakah-ul-fitr, a special gift to charity to atone for any sins they might have committed while fasting.
In the morning Muslims attend Id prayers - often gathering outside the mosque to accommodate the large gathering
The imam will deliver the khutbah (semon) which focusses on those in need.
Muslim families will celebrate with family and friends and have a midday meal.
Id-ul-Fitr known as
It is often known as ‘The Day of Reward’ as comes after the hardships of fasting. It is a national holiday in Muslim countries.
What is the importance of Id-ul-Fitr? What are the benefits for the individual and the ummah?
It gives Muslims an opportunity to thank Allah for helping them get through the fasting.
They will be in a better position for the Day of Judgement, having completed the period of fasting.
It allows family and friends to get together, forgetting past disagreements.
It gives Muslims an opportunity to help the poor and needy, perhaps inviting them to the midday meal.
It gives them an opportunity to remember those who have died, uniting them in the celebrations.
It strengthens the wider ummah.
Id-ul-Ghadeer
Id-ul-Ghadeer is a shared but mainly Shi’a festival on the eighteenth month of Dhul-Hijjah, celebrating the day on which Muhammad delivered his last sermon and Ali was chosen as his successor. Sunni Muslims do not accept the Shi’a interpretation of the events at Ghadir Khum. They say that Muhammad was calling for Ali to be respected rather than be his successor.
Id-ul-Ghadeer - How is the festival celebrated?
Shi’a Muslims mark this day by taking a full bath early in the morning, fasting and listening to speeches and religious poetry.
In the evening there is a festive meal and the exchanging of gifts.
In Iran it is a public holiday.
Id-ul-Ghadeer - Why is it important?
It is important to Shi’as because they believe that it celebrates the day when Muhammad appointed Ali as his successor at a place called Ghadir Khumm. They believe Muhammad held up Ali’s hand and said, ‘Of whomsoever I had been Master (Mawla), Ali here is to be his Master….’ Hadith. It shows their commitment to Ali as the first Imam.
Ashura
Ashura is celebrated by Sunis and Shi’as for different reasons. It takes place on the tenth of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.
Why and how do Shi’as celebrate Ashura:
They remember the martyrdom of Hussayn at the battle of Karbala (the son of Ali) by re-enacting a passion play.
There are public displays of mourning and grief
Although banned in most countries (such as Iran) a very small minority of Shi’as whip themselves with knives and chains to remember Hussayn’s martyrdom.
If possible, Shi’as will visit Husayn’s tomb at Karbala.
In London, around 3,000 Muslims gather at Marble Arch on Ashura for a mourning procession and speeches.
Why is is important for Shia’s to celebrate Ashura?
Hussayn’s death is generally understood by Shi’as as a symbol of the struggle against against justice and oppression.
The mourning enables Muslims to link themselves with Hussayn’s suffering and death.
Many Shi’as believe that this will help them on the Day of Judgement.
