Short backgrounds on observances across the faiths listed on this site.
Holiday names open the Holiday Calendar with dates for that observance.
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims stand at the plain of Arafat, the climax of Hajj; Muslims worldwide often fast the day and increase prayer and charity. It is considered one of the most meritorious days of the year in Islamic tradition. The civil date moves with the lunar calendar. Local moon-sighting or announced calendars set the exact day.
Arbaeen marks forty days after Ashura and is one of the most important commemorations in Shia Islam. Many remember the martyrdom of Imam Husayn and the survivors of Karbala; the day is closely associated with the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala, among the largest annual gatherings in the world. Observance centers on mourning, loyalty, and visitation. Communities that do not mark Arbaeen as a formal festival will not treat it the same way. The civil date follows the lunar calendar and is often listed as the 20th of Safar.
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram. For many Sunni Muslims it is a day of recommended fasting linked to stories of Moses and other prophets. For Shia Muslims it is a major day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala. Practices therefore differ sharply by community. The Gregorian date moves each year with the lunar calendar.
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Those who are able may offer an animal sacrifice and share meat with family and those in need. Communal prayer and hospitality are central. The date follows the Islamic lunar calendar.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It begins with a special communal prayer and is a day of gratitude, forgiveness, and celebration. Families share meals, give charity (zakat al-fitr), and visit relatives and friends. The mood is festive after a month of fasting. The Gregorian date depends on the lunar calendar and local moon-sighting practices.
Islamic New Year marks the first day of Muharram, the start of the Hijri year. Observance is generally quiet: reflection on the Hijra and the passage of time rather than elaborate public festivity in many communities. The first month also includes Ashura a few days later. The Gregorian date shifts each year. Mosques may offer talks on the new year and sacred history.
Isra and Mi'raj commemorate the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims mark the night with extra prayers, Qur’an recitation, and reflection on the gift of prayer. Observance varies by community and is not treated the same way everywhere. The Gregorian date shifts with the lunar calendar. Mosques and Islamic centers may hold special talks or night programs.
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, is believed to be the night the Qur’an was first revealed. Many Muslims seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan with extra prayer, Qur’an reading, and reflection. Exact identification of the night varies by tradition; the 27th night is widely emphasized. It is considered better than a thousand months in Islamic teaching. Observance is spiritual rather than a public festival day.
Mawlid al-Nabi commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. In many Muslim communities it is marked with prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, poetry in praise of the Prophet, and charitable acts. Observance varies widely: some regions hold public celebrations, while others keep the day quieter or do not mark it as a festival. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date shifts each year. Local custom and school of thought shape how the day is kept.
Ramadan is the month of fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. From dawn to sunset, adult Muslims who are able abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, turning attention to prayer, Qur’an, and charity. Nights often include additional prayers (Tarawih). The month ends with Eid al-Fitr. Because the calendar is lunar, Ramadan rotates through the seasons over the years.
This holiday reference covers major observances across the faiths listed on this site. Local and regional customs can still differ. If something important to your community is missing, or a description needs a correction, please write to us at info@mysacredtimes.com.
