Here are the major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world:
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Eid al-Fitr: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and social gatherings. The date varies each year based on the lunar Islamic calendar.
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Eid al-Adha: Also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," this holiday commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha is marked by the sacrifice of animals, communal prayers, and feasting.
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Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): The Islamic calendar begins with the month of Muharram. The first day of Muharram is observed by some Muslims as a time for reflection and remembrance.
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Ashura: The 10th day of Muharram holds particular significance for different Muslim communities. For Sunni Muslims, it is observed as a day of fasting and reflection, while for Shia Muslims, it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. Shia Muslims commemorate this day with mourning rituals.
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Mawlid al-Nabi: This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It falls on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. Celebrations often include religious gatherings, recitations of poetry and stories about the Prophet, and acts of charity.
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Laylat al-Miraj: Also known as the Night of Ascension, this holiday commemorates the night when the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. It is observed on the 27th day of Rajab in the Islamic calendar and is a time for prayer and reflection.
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Laylat al-Qadr: Known as the Night of Decree or Power, it is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It falls within the last ten days of Ramadan and is considered a time of great spiritual significance, with many Muslims engaging in intense worship and prayer.
These holidays are observed with varying traditions and practices depending on cultural and regional differences among Muslim communities.