Islam Holy Days

Aid al Ghadir Khumm – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the day that Prophet Muhammad Appointed his successor Imam Ali ibn Aboutaleb for the completion of the message of Islam, in his last Hajj on 18 Dhu al-Hijjah.

Waqf al Arafa – Hajj – Islam

Begins at sundown. Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.

Eid al Adha – Sacrifice Day – Islam

Begins at sundown. Islamic Festival of Sacrifice. The day after Arafat, the most important day in the Hajj ritual. A three-day festival recalling Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Arbaeen – Islam

Arbaeen Chehlum is a Shia religious observance that occurs forty days after the Imam Hussain martyrdom on the Day of Ashura when the caravan of the captives came back to Karbala for the first time.

Hijra – New Year – Islam

Begins at sundown. The emigration of Muhammad and his followers to Medina in 615 c.e.

Ashura – Islam

An Islamic optional one day fast. The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s Grandson, Hussein, martyred on this date in 683/684 AD at the battle of Kerbala. Sunni observance is a recognition of Moses fasting in gratitude to Allah/God for liberation from oppression.

End of Safar – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the death anniversary of Prophet Muhamamd and martyrdom of Imam Hasan and Imam Reza.

Mawlid an Nabi – Islam

Islamic commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, in about 570 c.e. The prophet’s teachings are read and religious meetings are held. Shia and Sunni on separate days. Begins at sundown.

Wiladat Bibi Zaynab bint Ali – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter, Bibi Zaynab, who was also representative of the captives’ caravan from Karbala to Damascus.
Some countries recognize this day as Nurse’s day.

Fatemiyeh – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, lady Fatima.

Wiladat Lady Fatmia – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, lady Fatima. Some countries recognize this day as Mother’s Day.

Wiladat Imam Ali – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the Birthday of Imam Ali ibn Aboutaleb. Some countries consider this day as Father’s Day.

Maba’ath-Islam

The Shia observance is based on the beginning of the Holy Prophet’s mission of propagating the message of Almighty Allah.

Lailat al Bara-ah – Islam

Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer.

Ramadan Begins (US Date) – Islam

The ninth month in the Islamic calendar; 30 days of strict fasting from sunup to sundown in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

Lailat al-Qadr – Islam

Night of Destiny. First revelation of Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr – Islam

Festival of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan.