India is a land of festivals. Despite occasional communal eruptions, people of all religions coexist in this country because of its basic structure, which calls for tolerance and respect for one another’s convictions.
The enthusiasm with which all religious festivals are observed is one of the best ways to demonstrate this harmonious existence. We were taught about Diwali, Christmas, and Eid while growing up. Regardless of the faith we practice, we have celebrated them with our friends, eaten the delicacies with equal enthusiasm, and become entangled in the cultural mingling that is a vital component of all celebrations. India has a sizable Muslim population. Numerous of their well-known festivals are also designated as official holidays. Muslims use the Islamic calendar, which relies on lunar calculations.
Muslims live worldwide; in fact, several nations are classified as Islamic. However, India’s social environment makes Muslim holidays far more varied and exciting. The opportunity of a neighbor who practices a different religion is seen by the layperson who lives in communities, apartments, or chawls as a way of life. Just how intertwined the societal structure of this country is demonstrated by the ability to work with coworkers or study with Muslim acquaintances. While there have been frightening occurrences involving “them versus us,” there have also been instances where ordinary people or laypeople have transcended religious differences to embrace humanity in its ultimate form. The culture of this nation is enhanced and made more enjoyable by celebrating Muslim holidays, just like any other event. Here is a look at the major Islamic holidays India celebrates and keeps track of.
Milad-un-Nabi
The anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, known as Milad-un-Nabi, is one of the most significant occasions for Muslims worldwide. The Prophet was born on the fifteenth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal. The Quran is recited in prayer, and many teachings of the Prophet are remembered on this day.
Around 570 CE is when the Prophet Muhammad is thought to have been born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He was Allah’s last messenger on earth, spreading the message of peace and love among all people. When the Prophet’s home was turned into a prayer hall in the eighth century, this day became more and more well-known. The day was observed very differently than it is right today.
The third month of the particular Muslim lunar calendar is when the well-known Islamic holiday is observed worldwide. The subcontinental nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and others observe Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. Different days are observed for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi by the Sunni and Shia sects. Muslims celebrate Milad Un Nabi Mubarak on this crucial day. With lights, decorations, extraordinary cuisine, and greetings to one another, they commemorate it. Families get together, and charitable contributions are also made.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated as the conclusion of the month of Ramadan and is among the happiest days in the Islamic calendar. This Eid is a significant celebration of restraint and fulfillment after 30 days of fasting and refraining from various types of sin. On this day, they pray particularly. On this day, they gather in public areas, primarily at mosques, to pray for their progress and well-being. The dates of Islamic holidays change annually in the Gregorian calendar since Islam has its calendar, the Hijri calendar. The Hijri calendar, which is entirely lunar, makes assumptions about how long the moon takes to go through each phase. Religious authorities’ discovery of a new crescent moon marks the beginning of every Islamic month.
A lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than a solar year and consists of 12 months but approximately 354 days. The result is that Islamic holidays advance by 10–11 days each year. It is thought that the Prophet Muhammad received the Holy Quran during Ramadan for the first time. People keep fast from sunrise to sunset and focus solely on prayer to Allah during this holy month. This month concludes with Eid-ul-Fitr. Including a delectable supper and gatherings. Muslims observe this event to commemorate the successful end of Ramadan.
Muslims prepare extravagant feasts on Eid-ul-Fitr since they have abstained from eating during the day. Every Muslim home organizes feasts when preparing pulao, saalan, biryani, haleem, nihari, kebabs, kofte, and other foods. This day’s main attractions are the traditional seviyan, sheer korma, shahi tukda, and phirni. Muslims greet one another while dressed in new attire.
Eid-ul-Adha
The second crucial Islamic holiday observed by Muslims worldwide is Eid ul-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, or Qurban Bayarami. This month of Ramadan is celebrated, during which Muslims fast from dawn until dark, recite the Holy Quran, and give prayers to Allah; it comes to a close on Eid al-Fitr, also known as Eid or Ramadan Eid. The twelfth month of the lunar calendar is honored by Muslims worldwide as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s unshakable commitment to Allah. This Eid celebration is to remember Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son by Allah’s plan. The day is commemorated for teaching Muslims the value of having firm faith in the will of the divine because of Abraham’s unwavering belief in the Almighty. Abraham, also known as the Prophet Ibrahim, frequently dreamed that he was killing his beloved son Ismael to fulfill God’s purpose. The day’s history officially started at this point. Ibrahim told his son about this dream and how God had directed him to provide the sacrifice. Ismael, a man of God like his father, concurred with him and asked him to follow Allah’s directives.
Shaitan, the devil, lured Ibrahim and tried to persuade him not to make the sacrifice, but Ibrahim refused by hurling stones at it. After seeing Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion, Allah sent Jibreel (Angel Gabriel), the Archangel, with a sheep for the slaughter. Eid al-Adha is a celebration of Ibrahim and Ismael’s love for Allah and encompasses more than just a sacrifice. The act of offering represents one’s readiness to offer the greatest sacrifice for Allah. Muslims worldwide sacrifice a goat or sheep to remember the sheep sent by Allah through Jibreel. It involves giving up something dear to one’s heart for God.
It is necessary to separate the food prepared from the sacrifice into three equal portions and serve one to the family, one to friends, and one to the less fortunate. On the tenth day of this month, when the sun has fully risen and just before it enters the Zuhr time, Muslims from all over the world offer the Eid al-Adha namaz at a mosque. After the prayer, the Imam gives a speech known as a khutbah.
To honor Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to make a sacrifice, the Muslim community around the world observes the Bakrid festival by offering a goat, sheep, buffalo, or camel as a sacrifice. They begin the celebration by praying in the morning mosque and performing the required sacrifices, divided into three sections and given to the needy, family members, and oneself. They visit family and friends to send wishes, give gifts, and celebrate with one another.
Muharram
The month of Muharram marks the start of the first month in the Islamic calendar. Imam Husain, the Prophet’s grandson, was killed in the battle of Karbala on the tenth of Muharram. Muharram is not a joyous holiday like all the other Islamic holidays; instead, it is a moment to remember the tragedy and enormous sacrifices made by Husain. Many Islamic sects also participate in a parade known as a Taziah, while others spend the day in mosques praying and attending sermons.
Shia Muslims mourn Imam Hussain, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, who died in the battle this month. Yazid I, the Umayyad Caliph, and Imam Hussain engaged in combat at Karbala. Imam Hussain was fatally wounded during the conflict. On Ashura’s tenth day of the month, mourning marches are held to commemorate his martyrdom.
Muslims abstain from getting married or engaged and wearing brand-new, colorful clothing, especially on the Day of Ashura. Mosques are visited by people who pray there. No, which are religious hymns, are recited during Muharram. Muharram is a month when charitable deeds are performed. Events are planned for food distribution and charitable donations.
Conclusion
The way that Muslims celebrate, as well as their language and cuisine, are unique. And happily, we still live in a period and era where this nation integrates these with kindness, openness, and friendliness.