Id: The Festivals in Islam

This section explains Id. In Islam, festivals are significant occasions that bring Muslims together to celebrate important events, express gratitude to Allah, and strengthen their sense of community. The word "Id" itself translates to "festival," and there are several key festivals celebrated throughout the Islamic year, with Id-ul-Adha and Id-ul-Fitr being the most important. These festivals play a vital role in the religious and social life of Muslims around the world.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning it follows the cycle of the moon. As a result, the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is used in many countries, including the UK. The lunar year has 354 or 355 days, meaning that Islamic festivals shift by about 10-12 days each year when compared to the Gregorian calendar.

Id-ul-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice

Id-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah and is a major religious celebration in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah’s command, a test of his faith and devotion. However, at the last moment, Allah spared Isma’il and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, symbolising Allah’s mercy and Ibrahim’s steadfastness.

The story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice is told in the Qur’an, where it is written:
“My son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you.” (Qur’an 37:102).
Ibrahim’s willingness to obey Allah, even in such a difficult situation, is a central lesson of the festival.

Key Events of Id-ul-Adha:

• Morning Prayers and Sermons: On the first morning of Id-ul-Adha, Muslims gather at mosques for special prayers, which are followed by a sermon. The sermon teaches the importance of obedience to Allah, drawing lessons from Ibrahim’s faith and sacrifice.
• Sacrifice of an Animal: To commemorate Ibrahim’s trial, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. This act represents a willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of Allah. The meat from the animal is divided into three parts:
  • One-third is kept for the family.
  • One-third is given to relatives or neighbours.
  • One-third is given to the poor and needy, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festival.
• Community and Celebration: Id-ul-Adha is a time for families to come together, wear new clothes, share meals, and exchange gifts. Women and young girls often adorn their hands with mendhi (henna) in intricate patterns. Delicious traditional foods are prepared and shared with loved ones, fostering a sense of joy and unity.

Key Fact: Id-ul-Adha is a reminder of God's mercy and love, as well as a time to reflect on the importance of obedience to Allah and the spirit of sharing with those in need.

Id-ul-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast

Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a joyous occasion when Muslims come together to celebrate the completion of one of the Five Pillars of Islam, namely Sawm (fasting during Ramadan). After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims celebrate with gratitude, feasting, and prayer.

Key Events of Id-ul-Fitr:

• Thanksgiving to Allah: Id-ul-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving to Allah for giving Muslims the strength and patience to complete their fasts. It is a time to reflect on the spiritual benefits gained during Ramadan, such as increased self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and closer devotion to Allah.
• Zakah al-Fitr: Before the prayer service on Id-ul-Fitr, Muslims are required to give a special form of charity known as Zakah al-Fitr. This is a small donation made to ensure that those who are less fortunate can also partake in the celebrations. It is a reminder that charity and helping others are central to the teachings of Islam.
• Prayer Service and Community Celebration: On the morning of Id-ul-Fitr, Muslims attend the special prayer service at mosques, where they listen to a sermon and pray together as a community. Afterward, families gather to celebrate by visiting one another, exchanging gifts, and enjoying meals together. It is a time for unity, joy, and fellowship.
• Encouraging Community Unity: Id-ul-Fitr is also a time for Muslims to strengthen their sense of community, not just within their own faith group, but also with people of other faiths. Many areas host public events, such as fun fairs or social gatherings, where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate and share in the joy of the occasion.

Ashura: A Day of Remembrance for Shi’a Muslims

Ashura is a special and solemn day for Shi’a Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Hussein's death is a pivotal event in Shi’a history, symbolising resistance against tyranny and standing up for justice, even in the face of great personal loss.

Key Events of Ashura:

• Mourning and Reflection: On Ashura, Shi’a Muslims wear black as a symbol of mourning for Hussein’s death. The day is marked by solemn commemorations, including processions and performances that recount the events of the battle and the suffering that Hussein and his followers endured. It is a time for reflection on themes of sacrifice, justice, and faith.
• Dramatic Performances: In many Shi’a communities, plays and reenactments are performed to remember the martyrdom of Hussein. These serve not only as acts of devotion but also as a means to pass down the history of Karbala to younger generations.
• A Reminder of Suffering and Perseverance: For Shi’a Muslims, Ashura is a reminder of the trials their community has faced, including persecution as a minority. The day reinforces the values of standing up for justice and resisting oppression, following the example set by Hussein.

The festivals of Id-ul-Adha, Id-ul-Fitr, and Ashura are all deeply significant in Islam, each offering a unique opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their faith, strengthen their bonds with the community, and renew their commitment to Allah. These festivals are not just about celebrating but also about sharing with others, remembering the lessons of the past, and working together to create a more just and compassionate society.