Islam - Festivals

1. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest of the four holy months.

2. It is an important Muslim festival and starts at the sighting of the new moon.

3. Ramadan is thought to be holy because the Koran was first revealed during this month.

4. Muslims fast between dawn and sunset as Ramadan is meant to help teach Muslims self-discipline.

5. They usually have a meal just before sunrise, then another, known as the iftar, after sunset.

6. Ill people, the elderly and pregnant women are excluded from the fasting.

7. Fasting is not compulsory for children, although many try to complete some.

8. During Ramadan good deeds are done and time is spent with family and friends.

9. Long night prayers are held which can last up to two hours.

10. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Koran during this period.

11. At the end of Ramadan there is another Muslim festival known as Eid ul-Fitr.

12. People dress in their best clothes and go to the mosque to pray together.

13. They thank Allah for helping them through the previous month.

14. Before the prayers every Muslim who is able must pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is collected at the mosque.

15. It is either about two kilograms of a basic foodstuff or its equivalent in cash, which is then distributed to needy local Muslims.

16. Special meals are served, there are processions through the streets and presents and cards are sent.

17. Children are given sweets and presents.

18. The Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha remembers the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmail.

19. As Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead.

20. Muslims remind themselves that they must sacrifice anything Allah wants them to.

21. Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated after the conclusion of hajj.

22. Muslims attend prayers at the mosque.

23. Later they sacrifice a sheep, giving one third of the meat away, to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice.

24. Muslims pray for forgiveness from Allah at this time and try to forgive others.