Islamic Festivals Handout

By Oda Sofie, Roshan and Elisabeth

Currently, there are two main Islamic festivals: 1. Id-ul-Fitr 2. Id-ul-Adha Id-ul-Adha: - Id-ul-Adha is an annual festival and it follows the Lunar Calendar, so that means the date changes. - It marks the end of the pilgrimage to Makkah known as the Hajj. - It renews the faith in God through the story of Ibrahim (Abraham). God told Ibrahim to sacrifice his own son. When he obeys, God stops him. Instead, Ibrahim and his son sacrifice a goat they find. - Because of the story, Muslims sacrifice farm animals and have a big meal together. The remaining food would be given to the poor or friends and family. - Muslims who can afford it are required to give gifts to the misfortunates. Id-ul-Fitr: - Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan, the fast. Ramadan follows the Lunar Calendar so the date changes every year. - Muslims give each other gifts and cards. - They dress in their best clothes and decorate their houses. - They attend prayer at the Mosque. - A special payment (the equivalent of two meals) is given to the misfortunates. This is called Zakah. Requirements for festivals: - Cleanliness: Muslims are required to wash their bodies properly and in a certain way. - Prayer: Muslims have to attend the mosque for special prayers. - Thought for relatives: Muslims have to show their family how much they love each other. - Thought for others through Zakah: Muslims have to give a certain amount of money to the less fortunate.