The Importance of Islamic Holidays

You are a CEO of a Fortune 500 company and your company does not observe Islamic holidays? Why not? Did you know Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world? With about 1.8 billion followers, almost one in four people are members of the Islamic faith. So, why aren’t Islamic holidays nationally observed just like Christian ones? Well, it is most likely because Christian holidays like Christmas were adopted in modern society in 529. It is difficult to understand why Christians are able to take days off for Christmas and Good Friday while other religious populations are left out of the equation. Christmas Eve, Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter, account for the same amount of days as Eid ul Adha, but Muslims do not get their fair share of days off. In order to be a more inclusive society, we need to be more accepting and tolerant of religions different from ours, and allow others to take the religious days off they need. 

There are two Muslim festivals set down in Islamic Law, Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Eid ul Fitr is not observed to celebrate the end to fasting, but to instead thank Allah for giving Muslims self control during the time of fasting. During this holiday, a celebratory meal is eaten during the daytime. Eid ul Adha is the second of the two Muslim festivals set by Islamic Law. During Eid ul Adha, followers of Islam celebrate Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son to Allah. Even though the devil attempted to persuade Ibrahim to disobey Allah, Ibrahim persisted. Muslims relate this to their sacrifices and submission to Allah, and this is why the holiday is celebrated year after year. Sheep are given as sacrifice, and the meat is split evenly among three groups: family, friends, and the poor.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims fast during daylight hours. During the ninth month, the Quran, (the Islamic sacred book), was revealed. The gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed with the devils inside. Because the month is blessed by Allah, Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month. Also, they believe it is easier to do good during this month because the devils are locked in Hell, meaning they are unable to tempt Muslims. Lastly, all Muslims try to give up bad habits during this month. They also try to become better Muslims by reading the Quran more often.