Understanding Islamic holidays helps children connect with their faith in a joyful and meaningful way. Here are some simple, child-friendly questions and answers about Muslim celebrations.
๐ What Are the Two Main Islamic Festivals?
Q: What are the legitimate Islamic holidays?
A: The two Islamic holidays prescribed in Islam are:
- Eid al-Fitr (ุนูุฏ ุงููุทุฑ)
- Eid al-Adha (ุนูุฏ ุงูุฃุถุญู)
These are the only two annual festivals approved in Islamic teachings.
๐ When Does Eid al-Fitr Happen?
Q: When is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
A: Eid al-Fitr comes right after Ramadan, the month of fasting. It’s a celebration to mark the end of this spiritually uplifting time.
“And that you must magnify Allah for having guided you, and that you may be grateful.”
๏ดฟ ููููุชูููู ููููุง ุงููุนูุฏููุฉู ููููุชูููุจููุฑููุง ุงูููููู ุนูููููฐ ู ูุง ููุฏูุงููู ู ููููุนููููููู ู ุชูุดูููุฑูููู ๏ดพ
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
๐ When Does Eid al-Adha Take Place?
Q: When is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
A: Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the Day of Arafah, which is the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
It commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the practice of Qurbani (sacrifice).
๐ง What Are the Main Rituals of Eid?
Q: What do Muslims usually do on Eid?
A: The main acts Muslims perform during Eid are:
- Performing Eid prayer at the mosque or in open spaces.
- Visiting relatives and maintaining family ties (Silat ar-Rahim).
- Giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr before Eid al-Fitr).
- Sacrificing animals (Qurbani) on Eid al-Adha.
๐ฅฃ Why Is It Called “Eid al-Fitr”?
Q: Why is the festival called Eid al-Fitr?
A: Itโs called โFitrโ because it marks the end of fasting (ุตูุงู
) and the return to eating (ููุทุฑ). The word literally means “breaking the fast.”
๐ Why Is It Called “Eid al-Adha”?
Q: Why is it named Eid al-Adha?
A: The word โAdhaโ comes from the Arabic word for sacrifice. This Eid is known for the act of Qurbani โ the sacrifice of a sheep, goat, or other livestock in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahimโs test of faith.
โจ Bonus Tip for Parents:
To make these holidays meaningful for kids:
- Involve them in preparing for Eid (decorations, gift-wrapping, baking).
- Teach them the stories behind the rituals.
- Emphasize gratitude and giving.
๐ก Want Your Kids to Fall in Love with Islam?
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