Ramadan, Eid and the Hajj

The Islamic year, based on a 354-day lunar calendar, is marked by major observances. Ramadan, the ninth month, commemorates the beginning of the Quran's revelation; Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, break the fast each evening with a meal called iftar, often beginning with dates and water, and attend extra night prayers. Laylat al-Qadr, the 'Night of Power' in the last ten nights, is considered the holiest night of the year.

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of prayer, new clothes, family visits and charity (zakat al-fitr) so that the poor can celebrate too. During the hajj in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims wear simple white garments, circle the Kaaba, stand in prayer on the plain of Arafat and recall the story of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael. Eid al-Adha, the 'Festival of Sacrifice', is celebrated worldwide at the end of the hajj, with meat from sacrificed animals shared with the poor.