Muslim holidays

Muslim holidays are few in number. Muslims should not take part in religious festivals of gentiles, since they thereby join the rites of another religion.

The Prophet Muhammad said that Allah has determined the best holidays for Muslims, and only they will please him. The main holidays of Islam are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. In addition, there are five sacred nights, the main of which is Lyallat al-Qadar (the Night of Power or Predestination).

The calendar of Muslim holidays does not correspond to the Gregorian, that is, their dates are constantly changing. Muslims conduct the chronology from the Hijra, that is, the relocation of the Prophet Muhammad in 622 from Mecca to Medina. Time is calculated by lunar months. The year consists of twelve 29-day or 30-day months. The lunar year is eleven days shorter than the solar one, which we use in the Western world. The day does not begin in the morning, but after sunset.

Friday is a special day for Muslims, as on this day the believers gather for a joint solemn prayer in the mosque led by the imam. But Friday is not a holy day for Muslims, like the resurrection for Christians or the Sabbath for the Jews. Also this is not a compulsory day off, or a day off from work - the work is interrupted for the duration of the prayer. In many Muslim countries this day closed schools, shops and government offices.

Ramadan (Persian, tour - Ramadan) - month of fasting (Arabic saum). This is the ninth month of the lunar Muslim calendar - the most sacred month of the year, since at that time the first fragment of the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset, adults, healthy Muslims can not eat, drink, indulge in sexual arousal. This post, unlike the Christian one, is not meant for killing the flesh. A person develops self-control so that later it is easier to control one's desires. Fasting also expresses solidarity with the poor and hungry and reinforces piety.

During the month of fasting, it is more customary to read the Koran and meditate. From the post are released: elderly people, children, pregnant and lactating women, sick and travelers. After sunset, everyone starts the first meal (Iftar), after which the Muslims visit each other at night, meet in public places.

During Ramadan, Muslim cities take on a festive appearance, and many offices and educational institutions shorten the working day.

The Night of Power (Arab Lyallat Al-Qadar, Kadyr Geghesi tour) is one of the five holy nights, and usually falls on the 27th night of Ramadan. That night the first five verses (ayats) of the Qur'an from ninety-seventh chapter (sura) descended.

Muslims gather to praise and thank God together and spend the night in prayer. That is, this is the time of zealous worship, and not celebrations and fun.

The holiday of the fasting (Eid al-Fitr) is one of the most important. It is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. Muslim holidays begin with a solemn joint prayer in the mosque early in the morning. On this day, thank Allah for keeping the fast, which saves from the fire of hell.

Muslim holidays last for several days, during which relatives and friends visit. Muslims, who do not lack, make special donations to the needy.

On Muslim holidays it is customary to congratulate each other, to give gifts. Particular attention is paid to children. They receive sweets and money, and on the streets for them to establish rides and various entertainment.

The Feast of Sacrifice (Arab Eid al-Adha) is an important Muslim holiday. It lasts four days and is connected with a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Feast of Sacrifice recalls the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his obedience to God. According to Islam, Abraham had to sacrifice his son to God, but Allah, seeing Abraham's devotion, allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead of a child. In memory of the deed of Abraham, every Muslim - the father of the family, if he is allowed financial opportunities, sacrifices a ram, camel or bull.

Meat is divided so that one-third give to those in need, one third by relatives, and the rest is used for a general holiday.

On the first day of the holiday, everyone attends a joint solemn prayer in the mosque. It is customary to read the Koran and make gifts.

During the Feast of the Sacrifice, many Muslims also make monetary donations to the poor.