In Europe Islamic holidays serve many purposes. Aside from celebrating religious holidays or marking events in Islamic history, these events connect European Muslims to communities worldwide and join together Muslims from all countries living in Europe. This strengthens the bond within the Ummah, brings together all language groups and emphasises the fact that Islam can be practised by all nations and cultures.
Main festivals
Possibly the most anticipated holiday, falling on different dates every year, is Eid al-Fitr which celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After one month of abstaining not only from food and drink, but also smoking, sexual relations and swearing, the Islamic community comes together in a period of celebration. People dress in their best clothes and visit each others families, serving meals and delicacies and enjoying each others company. Muslims are encouraged to give generously during Ramadan, and the feast period gives them the opportunity to donate food and other items to the less fortunate.
Eid al- Adha is another prominent holiday which marks Abraham’s commitment to God and his readiness to sacrifice his son at God’s request. Muslims will celebrate by killing a lamb and the distribution of the meat amongst the poor. It coincides with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca but is a general holiday period for all Muslims.
Other holidays exist throughout the year including the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and the Islamic New Year, and are shared by all Muslims. There also exist several variations in Shia Islam, which commemorate the disappearance of Iman Mahdi, and Ashura which celebrate the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson, Hussein.
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