RAMADAN Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims. It is a time of inner reflection, devotion to God, and self control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune up for their spiritual lives. During the month of Ramadan practicing Muslims are expected to fast from sunrise to sunset (young, elderly, and sick are excluded). The two main goals of this month long fast are to show dedication and devotion to God (Allah). The second goal of fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate. Zakat, the third pillar, is the law of almsgiving. When one experiences the pains of hunger they are more inclined to help others who regularly feel the pangs of hunger.
EID-ul-FITR Eid is the "festival of the fast breaking". It is the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan). It is a joyous occasion, similar to Christmas in its celebration and religious significance. The giving of special charity is obligatory. Greetings of "Eid mubarak" (blessed Eid) are exchanged. Often children are given gifts of money. It is a three day long celebration.
EID-ul-ADHA (Festival of the Sacrifice) This festival is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God, including the life of his son *Ismail*. God spared Ismail sacrificing a sheep in his stead. Muslims celebrate the day by sacrificing a sheep and distributing the meat amongst family, friends, and the needy. It is a four day festival.
NEW YEARS Muharram is the first month of the Muslim year. Its first day is celebrated as new year's day. **note that the Muslim calendar is lunar**
MILAD al-NABI Mohammed's birthday. Widespread celebrations occur during the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
MUHARRAM The first month of the Islamic calendar. There are several religious events that take place during this month. One in particular is the commemoration of Moses leading the Jews out of slavery from the Egyptians. Depending on the branch of Islam, this commemoration is marked by fasting on the tenth day, or the ninth and tenth, or the first ten days of Muharram. The Shi'ites celebrate the first to the tenth of Muharram by remembering the death and martyring of Husain, Ali's son, Mohammed's grandson, who died at the Battle of Karbala in 680.