Muslim Holidays Essay

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Muslim Holidays
Muslims believe that Allah sent different prophets to teach people about what he wanted them to do. According to Islamic teaching, although there are many prophets; including Jesus, Noah, Moses, Abraham among others, Muhammad was the last prophet. Most of the Islamic holidays subsequently revolve around the life and events surrounding Prophet Muhammad. Holidays are important events for the Muslims as they are meant to remind Muslims of the importance of their faith, obedience to Allah, and also to help people stay close to their friends and families (Winchester 7). The main Muslim holidays include the Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, Eid al-Fitr, the Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid al-Nab. The two major Muslim holidays are the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Most Muslim holidays are a celebration of events that happened in the life of Prophet Muhammad.
Eid Al-Fitr
Origin
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslims calendar where Muslims fast in remembrance of the time when Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation (Winchester 23). The celebration of feasting at the end of the month of Ramadan is a special way to remember the event (Winchester 24). Eid Al-Fitr therefore signifies the breaking of the season of fasting. The first Eid was celebrated by Muhammad and his relatives and companions after securing victory in the Battle of Badr in 642CE (Winchester 24).
Significance
Eid al-Fitr or 1 Shawal marks the celebration of the end of the month of fasting, which is known as the Ramadan. The celebration of Eid ul-Fitr is a special and joyous occasion that has religious significance to the Muslims as it marks the achievement of enhanced piety (Winchester 36). The holiday is significant as it requires individuals to exercise forgiv...

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...t. The aim of the holiday is to promote strong bonds within the Islamic community by fostering sisterhood and brotherhood through showing that every Muslim is equal under the Gods eyes. The even strips away all the markers of pride, wealth and social status as reflected in their dressing (Kheirabaradi 157). It is also one of the pillars of Islam and specifically is the fifth pillar of Islam. According to Islamic teaching, every individual who can afford and is physically able should visit Mecca in their lifetime (Kheirabaradi 153).
Celebrations
The celebrations celebrate by visiting Mecca. During the celebrations, Muslims perform various acts of worship. The Muslim pilgrims are also required to dress in simple clothing that is referred to as the Ihram. According to Islamic teachings, Mecca is a holy place and only Muslims are allowed to enter (Kheirabaradi 155).

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