Islam Holy Days

Eid al-Ghadir – Shia Islam

Celebration commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s declaration at Ghadir Khumm that Ali ibn Abi Talib would be his successor, affirming leadership and spiritual authority in the Shia tradition.

Waqf al Arafa (Hajj) – Islam

The second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and the most sacred day in the Islamic calendar, when pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat for prayer and reflection, and Muslims around the world fast and seek forgiveness.

Eid al Adha (Sacrifice Day) – Islam

Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice; commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and is marked by communal prayers, charitable giving, and the ritual sacrifice of animals.

Arba’een – Shia Islam

Observance marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala, honored through mourning, prayer, and pilgrimage, especially to Karbala, Iraq.

Hijra (Islamic New Year) – Islam

Marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina, signifying a new spiritual and communal beginning.

Ashura – Islam

Holds deep significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims; for Shia Muslims, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala, while Sunni Muslims reflect on themes of repentance and fasting.

End of Safar – Islam

Marks the conclusion of the second month in the Islamic lunar calendar; while not a formal religious holiday, some Muslim communities observe it with special prayers or reflections due to traditional beliefs about Safar being a month of hardship.

Mawlid an Nabi – Islam

Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed by many Muslim communities with gatherings for prayer, poetry, sermons, and remembrance of the Prophet’s life and teachings.

Wiladat Bibi Zainab bint Ali – Shia Islam

Commemorates the birth of Zainab bint Ali, the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered figure in Shia Islam known for her courage, eloquence, and leadership after the Battle of Karbala.

Fatemiyeh – Shia Islam

Period of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Fatimah Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, honored for her piety, resistance, and central role in Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family).

First Fatemiyeh: Dec 1–3, 2026.

Second Fatemiyeh: Dec 21–23, 2026.

First Fatemiyeh: Dec 1–3, 2027.

Second Fatemiyeh: Dec 21–23, 2027.

Wiladat: Shehzadi Bibi Sayyedda Fatima Zehra – Shia Muslim

Celebrates the birth of Fatima Zahra, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered figure in Shia Islam, honored for her purity, spiritual strength, and central role in the lineage of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt). Some countries consider this day as Mother’s Day.

Wiladat: Imam Ali – Shia Islam

Honors the birth of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Imam in Shia Islam and cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, revered for his wisdom, justice, and leadership Some countries consider this day as Father’s Day.

Maba’ath (The Prophet’s Ascension) – Shia Islam

Commemorates the day the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation and was appointed as a messenger of God, marking the beginning of his prophethood and the message of Islam.

Promised Savior Day (Wiladat of Imam al-Mahdi) – Shia Muslim

Commemorates the birth of Imam al-Mahdi, the twelfth and final Imam in Shia Islam, who is believed to be in occultation and will one day reappear as the savior to bring justice and peace to the world.

Martyrdom of Imam Ali Ibn Aboutaleb – Shia Islam

This solemn observance commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Ali, the first Imam in Shia Islam and cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who was fatally wounded while praying in the mosque of Kufa.

Laylat al-Bara’ah – Islam

Also known as the Night of Forgiveness or Shab-e-Barat; observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban and is a night of prayer, seeking forgiveness, and reflection in preparation for Ramadan.

Ramadan – Islam

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a sacred period of fasting from dawn to sunset, spiritual reflection, prayer, and community for Muslims worldwide, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Lailat al-Qadr – Islam

The Night of Power; it’s believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and is considered the holiest night of Ramadan, marked by intense prayer, reflection, and seeking divine mercy.

Eid al-Fitr – Islam

The Festival of Breaking the Fast; marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, charitable giving (zakat al-fitr), and expressions of joy and gratitude.