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There are very few holidays in the Muslim calendar. In fact, there are only two major ones: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. They were established during the time of the Prophet and are recognized as divinely sanctioned celebrations.
Other important events were not originally marked or celebrated. However, over time, Muslims began to give many of them special significance. These days are observed not as occasions for festivity and joy, but as times of increased devotion to God.
For Muslims, holidays are an opportunity to repent for sins and to increase the number of good deeds, which will be taken into account on the Day of Judgment.
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Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the main days in the Muslim calendar, marking the end of the fast observed during the holy month of Ramadan. The tradition of celebrating this day dates back to 624 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad established the practice of fasting in Islam.
Eid al-Fitr symbolizes the return of the many blessings bestowed by the Almighty upon His followers. On this day, the long daytime fast of Ramadan comes to an end. The Almighty rewards believers for their devotion during Ramadan and forgives their sins. Muslims rejoice and give thanks for the opportunity to fast and perform acts of worship throughout the holy month.
On the eve and during the celebration, Muslims give a mandatory charity donation to support their community (the poor, travelers, and others), either in money or in food.
On the day of the holiday, Muslims perform a special festive prayer, wear their best clothes, prepare traditional dishes, and after the prayer, set festive tables, invite neighbors, relatives, and friends, exchange visits and gifts, and celebrate together.
Children take part in games and visit neighbors who give them sweets. It is also customary during this time to visit the graves of relatives, give alms to the poor, exchange gifts, and ask one another for forgiveness.
Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, is the most significant holiday in the Islamic world. Along with Eid al-Fitr, it was established during the time of the Prophet.
Eid al-Adha marks the completion of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and is celebrated 70 days after Eid al-Fitr. It commemorates the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
According to the Qur’an, the Archangel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and conveyed Allah’s command to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. Ibrahim, unable to disobey the will of Allah, took his son to the valley of Mina and began the preparations. His son, aware of this, did not resist, showing obedience both to his father and to Allah.
However, this was a test from Allah. At the moment when the sacrifice was about to take place, Allah made it so that the knife could not cut. Then the angel Jibril provided a ram to Ibrahim as a substitute sacrifice.
The act of sacrifice is an expression of submission to Allah the Almighty. Ibrahim, who calmly accepted his fate and was ready to sacrifice his beloved son, serves as an example of absolute obedience to God and a model for all believers. Therefore, offering a sacrifice on this day is considered a highly rewarded and virtuous deed. Everything connected with the preparation and performance of the sacrifice is counted as good deeds for a Muslim and leads to the forgiveness of sins.
The Festival of Sacrifice is the culmination of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. On this day, it is customary to perform a full ritual ablution, wear festive clothing, and offer a sacrifice—slaughtering a sacrificial animal, most often a sheep. The meat is then prepared into various dishes, shared, and given as charity.
The night before the holiday is traditionally devoted to worship, spent in vigil and prayer. The sacrifice is performed immediately after the праздничная prayer (but not before it). Acceptable sacrificial animals include a sheep, goat, camel, or cow. The animal must be at least six months old, healthy, and free from defects.
It is recommended to divide the meat into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third to be given to relatives and neighbors in need, and one-third as charity to those who ask for it. If financially possible, it is preferable to offer one sheep or goat per person, or one cow (or camel) for up to seven people. It is also permitted to make a sacrifice on behalf of deceased relatives if they had requested it.
During the holiday, it is customary to enjoy a variety of richly prepared meat dishes, reflecting local culinary traditions with different spices and herbs. Special attention is given to festive table settings and the preparation of sweets. It is also customary to give gifts to close friends and relatives.
The days following the main celebration are dedicated to visiting family and loved ones. These visits during the Festival of Sacrifice are considered especially important and blessed.
Mount Arafat is the place where, according to tradition, Adam and Eve met after being expelled from Paradise. On one of the days of Hajj, pilgrims perform prayers at the foot of the mountain.
The Day of Arafat is a gift from Allah for those Muslims who were unable to perform the Hajj, visit the House of Allah, or stand on Mount Arafat. This day is intended for all believers, regardless of where they are. Any righteous deed performed on this day is not in vain—it is recorded and will be taken into account on the Day of Judgment. One of the most important acts of worship on this day is fasting.
It is considered a kind of rehearsal for the Day of Judgment, when all people will gather to determine their fate. On the Day of Arafat, believers are encouraged to keep their hearts in humility, fear of God, hope, and prayer. All of this brings them closer to Allah.
The collective prayer on this day symbolizes the unity of Muslims. Regardless of differences in everyday life, all believers stand as one community—dressed in simple white garments, with uncovered heads, raising their hands and asking Allah for forgiveness.
The worst thing a Muslim can do on this day is to spend it in trivial pursuits—seeking food excessively, engaging in idle talk, or other useless and harmful activities. This is a time when believers can attain forgiveness and be freed from punishment in the Hereafter, as Allah bestows His greatest mercy and blessings.
Fasting on this day is highly recommended. Islamic scholars state that observing the fast of the Day of Arafat can expiate both major and minor sins of believers. It is also important to seek forgiveness from those whom one may have wronged. Those performing the Hajj are exempt from fasting so that they may have the strength for worship.
All pilgrims performing the Hajj gather on Mount Arafat on this day. The collective prayer at Mount Arafat is the central rite of the pilgrimage; without it, the Hajj is considered invalid.
On this day, Allah is remembered more than at any other time or place: believers intensify their worship, offer abundant prayers, shed tears, recite the Qur’an, and glorify and praise Him.
Supplications made on this day—especially those asking for goodness and righteousness—are accepted even from those who have sinned. Allah’s mercy extends to all believers, including those burdened with sins.
The gathering at Mount Arafat is the largest annual assembly in the Islamic world.
According to one of the pillars of Islam, during the month of Ramadan all Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset. Without abandoning their daily responsibilities, they devote themselves to serving Allah with greater diligence than on ordinary days.
The special devotion to Allah during this month is intended to elevate the spiritual nature of a person by temporarily restraining material desires. Its purpose is to remind Muslims of God, as well as of true values and virtues.
Observing the fast from dawn to sunset strengthens the will of believers, helping them resist temptations, as they know that nothing can be hidden from Allah. This is a time when believers can increase their good deeds and repent for their sins.
In addition to fasting, all believers are encouraged to strive to purify their hearts from negative traits and to cultivate virtue.
According to the sayings of the Prophet, Allah multiplies the reward for every good deed up to 700 times during this period, and performing righteous acts becomes easier than in other months.
Muslims around the world prepare for Ramadan well in advance: women stock up on food and supplies, while men purchase clothing and gifts for the upcoming celebration. Muslims believe that Allah forgives a person’s sins if they spend this time in prayer and perform righteous deeds. According to tradition, Allah also frees a number of souls from Hell during this period.
Many believers choose this time to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The fast lasts from dawn until sunset. Before it begins, believers have a pre-dawn meal (suhoor). At sunset, the fast is broken (iftar), usually starting with a light meal. This is followed by prayer, after which a full meal is eaten.
Charity plays a major role during this time. Every Muslim is obliged to give donations to the poor and needy before the end of Ramadan. These contributions ensure that even the most disadvantaged can take part in the celebrations. In some countries, special tables are set up near mosques so that anyone can join the evening meal to break the fast.
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered the most sacred, and during this period Muslims devote themselves even more to acts of worship and good deeds.
Originally, the Day of Ashura was associated with many significant events: the creation of the heavens, the earth, the angels, and the first human, Adam, his placement in Paradise, and the acceptance of his repentance after the Fall. It is also believed that on this day Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Judi after the Flood; the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was born; the Prophets Isa (Jesus) and Idris were taken up to heaven; Ibrahim was saved from the fire of the pagans; and Musa (Moses) and his followers were delivered from the pursuit of Pharaoh.
For Shia Muslims, this is a day of mourning. It commemorates the death of Husayn ibn Ali (626–680), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of his daughter Fatimah.
At that time, Yazid, the son of Caliph Muawiya, had seized power illegitimately. Although many recognized him as caliph, Imam Husayn opposed his rule, seeing him as a tyrant and usurper. Yazid sought an opportunity to eliminate Husayn. When Husayn set out for Kufa with 72 members of his family and companions, Yazid’s forces intercepted him near the Euphrates River. A battle took place, in which Husayn was killed.
Afterward, the captives were subjected to severe suffering and persecution, yet they endured with steadfastness and refused to recognize Yazid as caliph.
The observance of Ashura is accompanied by fasting for two or three days. Fasting on this day was introduced by the Prophet Muhammad after his migration from Mecca to Medina. However, after the establishment of the obligatory fast during Ramadan, fasting on Ashura became voluntary, though still recommended among Sunni Muslims. For Shia Muslims, this fast is obligatory, as the day marks the central date of the Shia religious calendar — the commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Part of the observance includes dramatic reenactments that recall the tragic events of the past. During gatherings, the story of Ashura is retold, and poems dedicated to the martyrdom of Imam Husayn are recited.
During these days, people often wear black as a sign of mourning. Ritual expressions of grief, such as chest-beating (symbolizing willingness to sacrifice one’s life for Islam), are performed, accompanied by lamentations and solemn, mournful music.
The Night Journey of the Prophet from Mecca to Jerusalem and his Ascension to Heaven took place at the end of the Meccan period of Muhammad’s life (around 619 CE). This event is one of the central narratives of Islamic tradition.
According to tradition, one night, while the Prophet was resting near the Kaaba, the angel Jibril appeared to him and invited him to undertake a journey to the “farthest mosque.” The Prophet traveled on a wondrous creature called Al-Buraq — a celestial being often depicted as a winged horse with a human-like face.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Muhammad again met Jibril. Before the Ascension, the angel offered him two cups — one with milk and one with wine. The Prophet chose the milk, which, according to Jibril, confirmed the righteousness of his values and path. From the site of the ancient Temple, Jibril then guided Muhammad in his ascent to the heavens.
In the heavens, the Prophet communicated with God, received the command to perform the five daily prayers (salat), and was shown visions of Paradise and Hell.
After returning to Mecca, Muhammad faced disbelief from his people, who found it difficult to accept such an extraordinary journey. However, his detailed descriptions of Jerusalem—where he had never been before—and the unwavering support of Abu Bakr strengthened faith in his account.
The Mi‘raj (Ascension) is considered one of the greatest miracles of the Prophet, performed by the will of Allah.
Although some interpret the Mi‘raj as a purely spiritual ascent of the Prophet, the authoritative view in Islam holds that it was not a dream or vision, but a real journey experienced by Muhammad. One of the outcomes associated with the Mi‘raj is the prohibition of alcohol for all Muslims.
The significance of the Mi‘raj, like other Islamic observances, lies in its reminder of the values and virtues of Islam, which are rooted in the life and example of the Prophet. The miracles that occurred during his life serve as lessons and guidance for all believers.
The central message and command of the Mi‘raj is the obligation of the five daily prayers (salat) for all Muslims. Prayer is not merely a set of words and movements—it is a complete system of spiritual discipline that nurtures kindness and love within believers. Neglecting prayer leads a person away from this inner harmony.
Prayer represents the connection between God and His creation, a reminder of the greatness of Allah, and gratitude for His blessings. It is considered a foundation for success and happiness both in this life and in the hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, prayer will be the first criterion by which a person’s deeds are evaluated, and its sincerity reflects the integrity of all other actions.
The exact date of birth of Muhammad has not been preserved in historical records; therefore, this commemorative day was later associated with the date of his passing.
The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) was first introduced in the 12th century by Muzaffar ad-Din Gökböri, the ruler of the Syrian region of Irbil. For the first celebration, he gathered renowned scholars and Sufis who were well-versed in the sacred texts.
The birthday of Muhammad is an opportunity for Muslims to express their love for him. It is also a time to reflect on stories from the Prophet’s life, reminding believers of his remarkable character and the importance of his mission.
It should be noted that in Islam, birthdays generally receive little attention—they are either observed modestly or not celebrated at all. At the same time, the dates of death, understood as a person’s birth into eternal life, are often marked with greater solemnity.
On the birthday of Muhammad, Muslims recite prayers and words of remembrance of Allah, offer praise to the Prophet, and listen to poetic narrations and lectures about his life and birth.
This day is seen as a time of joy for the coming of Muhammad into the world, as he is regarded as the final messenger of God. Believers express gratitude to the Almighty and offer supplications.
It is also customary to give charity to the poor and engage in pious conversations.
In some Arab countries, this celebration is especially popular among children. Festive stalls decorated with flags appear in the streets, selling colorful sugar figurines known as “arusat an-nabi” (“the Prophet’s bride”), often depicted with a bright paper fan, as well as figures of riders holding swords.
At the same time, it is important to note that not all Muslims observe this holiday. The main argument against it is that it is not mentioned in the primary sources of Islam—the Qur’an and the Sunnah—and is therefore considered by some to be a later innovation that was neither practiced nor endorsed by the Prophet or his closest companions.
Islamic New Year — the first day of the year according to the Islamic calendar. There are no special or widely established traditions for celebrating it.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which makes the Muslim year 11–12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. As a result, the date of the Islamic New Year shifts earlier each year. In leap years, an additional day is added to the final month of the calendar. Since the Islamic lunar calendar follows the phases of the moon, it is not tied to the seasons, which are calculated differently.
The starting point of the Islamic calendar is the year of the Hijra — the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. Most historians date this event to the year 622 CE.
On the first day of the New Year, sermons are delivered in mosques. Muslims believe that the way a person spends the first month sets the tone for the entire year.
The first month of the year, Muharram, is one of the four sacred months during which Allah has especially forbidden conflicts, bloodshed, revenge, wars, and similar disputes. Muharram is considered a time of repentance and worship, and every Muslim is encouraged to devote this period to serving Allah.
Fasting during the sacred month of Muharram, like fasting during Ramadan, involves abstaining from food during daylight hours, as well as focusing on spiritual purification, prayer, repentance, and acts of devotion.