Major and Minor Muslim Festivals

Question 1

What is Eid-ul-Fitr? (2)

Answer 1

1. A festival celebrating the end of fasting during Ramadan
2. “Allah has substituted for you better days: The Day of Sacrifice (Eid-ul-Adha) and the Day of Breaking Fast (Eid-ul-Fitr).”

Question 2

What might happen during Eid-ul-Fitr? (3)

Answer 2

1. Pray at the mosque
2. Zakat-ul-Fitr - extra donations (separate from annual Zakat) given to the poor.
3. Having a large meal with family

Question 3

How is Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated in the UK? (1)

Answer 3

Not a national holiday like in predominantly Muslim countries - not guaranteed time off,

Question 4

What is Eid-ul-Adha? (1)

Answer 4

Festival of sacrifice (the “greater Eid”)

Question 5

What is the significance of Eid-ul-Adha? (2)

Answer 5

1. Muslims remember Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son Ishma’il to show his love and obedience to the will of God, and how he was told to instead sacrifice a sheep - this is commemorated when Muslims kill an animal to share the meat among family, friends and the poor.
2. Also shows how like Ibrahim resisted the devil’s temptation, Muslims today must also struggle against sin (greater jihad)

Question 6

What is the importance of sacrifice?

Answer 6

1. Personal sacrifice each individual makes in offering their life to God»»>physical act of killing an animal.
2. “Their meat will not reach God…but what reaches Him is piety from you”.

Question 7

What happens during Eid-ul-Adha?

Answer 7

1. Animal is sacrificed (in a halal way) and the meat is shared among family, friends and the poor.
2. Perform wudu before going to the mosque for Eid prayers.

Question 8

What is Ashura?

Answer 8

For Shi’as, it’s the tenth day of Muharram that marks the martyrdom of Husayn.

For Sunnis, it’s a day of fasting.

Question 9

How do Sunnis experience Ashura?

Answer 9

1. Fast b/c Proph.M established it as a day of fasting.
2. Treat it as an occasion to thank God for saving the Israelites
3. Remember how Musa fasted in gratitude to God for opening the Red Sea.

Question 10

How do Shi’as experience Ashura?

Answer 10

1. Believe that Husayn (who is referred to as the 3rd Imam) was Muhammad’s rightful successor and remember his death with a deep sense of injustice.
2. This is a day of mourning and sometimes self-mutilation - public displays of grief in the streets e.g. flagellation to signify Husayn’s pain.

Question 11

What are the five minor festivals of Islam?

Answer 11

1. Mawlid an-Nabi
2. Laylat-ul-Qadr
3. Laylat-ul-Miraj
4. Laylat-ul-Bara’at
5. Muharram

Question 12

What is Mawlid an-Nabi?

Answer 12

1. Meaning “The Birth of the Prophet”

2. Celebrates the birth of Muhammad, with processions through the street and chanting stories in praise of his life.

Question 13

What is Laylat-ul-Qadr?

Answer 13

1. Meaning “The Night of Power” and marks the day of Muhammad’s first revelation of the Qur’an
2. Celebrated on the 27th day of Ramadan,by staying up all night reciting the Qur’an, praying and remembering God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Question 14

What is Laylat-ul-Miraj?

Answer 14

1. Meaning “The Night Journey”
2. Celebrates P.Mhd’s miraculous journey on a winged horse to Jerusalem and then up through the heavens into the presence of God.
3. Celebrated by saying special night prayers and telling Muhammad’s story to kids.

Question 15

What is Laylat-ul-Bara’at?

Answer 15

1. Celebrates when Muhammad began his preparations for Ramadan, and is celebrated by staying up all night reciting the Qur’an.

Question 16

What is Muharram?

Answer 16

1. Meaning the first month of the Islamic calendar.
2. Celebrates Hijrah
3. Sunnis celebrate by fasting on the 10th day of Muharram. Shi’as view it as the month Husayn was martyred so they refrain from joyous events in his memory.