Muslim+holidays

= toc __**[|Muslim Holidays]**__ = by Sarah Bernt and Anna H-R

Ramadan
Ramadan relates to the fourth pillar of Islam, which is fasting. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for a month in order to practice self-control. Ramadan is also a time for intense worship and doing good deeds. The last ten days especially, are a time of spiritual power. The twenty-seventh day is the Night of Power **//(//**//Lailat ul-Qadr//**//).//** According to the Qur’an this night is better than a thousand nights. Many Muslims pray for the entire night. The first three days after Ramadan ends are know as Eid al-Fitr and are very joyous. Many Muslims break fast with dates (//iftar//), because that’s how Muhammed broke fast. After this comes sunset prayer, then dinner. Dinner is often eaten with friends and family. A common Arabic greeting for Ramadan is "Kullu am wa antum bi-khair" //(May you be well throughout the year).// These are dates which are used to brake fasts

Milad-an-Nabi
Milad-an-Nabi is Muhammad’s birthday. On this day Muslims tell stories about his life from the Qur’an. Religious leaders especially talk about Muhamm ed’s life. Special emphasis is put on following Muhammad’s example and, by extension, being a good Muslim. Muslims believe that his life was the perfect example. He is considered the last and greatest prophet. Some Muslims give charity on this day. Songs of Muhammad’s praise are sung, Muslims decorate streets and mos ques with lights and colorful flags are also used as decoration during this festive time of year. However, many Muslims don’t celebrate birthdays or death anniversaries because Muhammad himself did not. Tthese are the decorations for Milad-an-Nabi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAXWqu_rC_0

Eid al-Adha
Eid al-adha is the Festival of the Sacrifice. It celebrates the prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Ishmael in the Muslim tradition). According to the story, Abraham was commanded by God to slaughter Ishmael but at the last moment an angel stopped Abraham and he slaughtered a sheep instead. This holiday is very festive and people give gifts and spend time with family and friends. Some Muslims slaughter an animal such as a sheep, camel, or cow. Traditionally, one third of the meat is given to the poor, one third to neighbors, and the rest is kept by the family or individual who slaughtered it. this is also the time that many people travel to Makkah which relates to the 5th pillar (the annual pilgrimage)

Mutton Biryani a meal that is made of rice with fish, chicken or vegetables.

Al Hijra
toc Al Hijra is the Muslim New Year. It is the first day of the month of Muharram. It is also the day when Muhammed started his migration to Medina. The Muslim calendar starts when Muhammed moved to Medina in 622 CE. Muslim years have the suffix AH which stands for after Hijra. Like the beginning of every month, the New Year starts with the first naked eye sighting of the crescent moon. The Muslim New Year is celebrated fairly quietly, through prayers, readings, and reflection. This is a picture of a crescent moon.

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