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Glimpses of World Religions
Islam Dharma
The chief festivals of Islam religion are: (1) The birthday of Hajrat Muhommad Paigamber Saheb. (2) The death anniversary day of the Prophet. (3) The Ramzaan month. (4) Id-ul-phitra = the celebration marking the end of fasting days. (5) Id-ul-Jhua = the Id of renunciation and sacrifice. · The details of each, in brief, are as follows :(1) In third Islami month, on the 12th Rabeeul Avval Hazrat
Muhommad Paigambar Saheb was born. The celebration of this birth-day is done with great respect and honour. It is called, “Id-e-Milad” which means “joys were born'. As the Vafāt or demise of Paigambar (Prophet) Saheb also took place on the same date (12th), it is customary to read or recite Fatihā. They take out a procession on that day and the poor are given the alms. This day is popular
as Bārā Vafàt or the festival of 12 days. (3) The ninth month of Islami calendar is called Ramzaan. It
is regarded as the most holy month. Ramzaan literally means burning of sins, and sacrificing evil thoughts into the fire, to take life to truth and good behaviour. The activities comprise of fasting from sun-rise to sun-set, five times Namāj in a day and leading a holy, pious life. Much
emphasis is laid on Alms and good acts also. (4) In the joy of the completion of Ramzaan month,
celebrations are made. The Namāj of Id is performed. Id = Joy - giving alms to the poor - to pay ‘Jakat' and to offer, then, Namāj. Two months and nine days after Id-ul-Phitra, there comes Id-ul-Jhuā. It is the Id (or joy) of Renunciation and sacrifice and of giving up or killing (Kurbani). The holy day of Haj
