Learning about Islam

Id or Eid is the name given to the Islamic festivals. It is an Arabic word which when translated means "periodically returning". It marks the occasions when all members of the same community, whatever there situation or background come together to celebrate as one.

There are two main festival days. These are named Id ul-Fitr and Id ul-Adha. There are two groups of Muslims. These are called Sunni Muslims and Shiite Muslims. They both celebrate these festivals. Sunni Muslims honour happenings that took place within the Koran along with the existence of the Prophet Muhammad. The Shiite Muslims honour the lives of all the close family of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Islamic calendar follows the moon. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of this calendar. It relates to the moment that the Prophet Muhammad became aware of the Koran. During Ramadan fasting takes place daily during daylight hours. This means that those fasting can not drink or eat anything from when the sunrises in the morning until the sunsets in the evening. Everyone must fast, apart from young children or those which are ill. However, when those which are ill recover, they must make up for not fasting when they should have by fasting at a later date for the same amount of days. During the process of fasting Muslims support one another becoming closer both socially and emotionally. During fasting Muslims spend more time praying.

At the end of Ramadan Muslims stop fasting and celebrate with a festival called Id ul-Fitr. During this time Muslims go to the mosque for Id prayers and donate to charity, enabling all Muslims to take part in the festivities whatever there situation or background.

Information collected from the following website:

www.uk.encarta.msn.com