Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 414
− 17 MUSLIM FESTIVALS AND CEREMONIES MUSLIM FESTIVALS: ‘IDUL FITR (FESTIVAL OF RAMADAN) − ± ± − The end of the Holy month of is marked by the festival of Ramadan ± − ‘Idul fitr. This joyous day is celebrated to give thanks for the blessings of − ± Ramadan ‘Id. Muslims attend the congregational Prayer service, which is ± − − held in the morning, and then spend rest of the day exchanging greetings and gifts with family and friends. They wear new clothes, cook delicious food and invite friends and neighbors to celebrate with them. Fasting during inspires sympathy for the hungry and needy, and Ramadan ± − encourages Muslims to donate generously to the poor. ‘IDUL ADHIYYA (FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE) − ± ± This festival comes about ten weeks after , and marks the ‘Idul fitr − ± completion of (Holy Pilgrimage of in Mecca). It is Hajj "Khanah Ka‘bah" ± − the festival of sacrifice commemorating the time when the Prophet Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son, Ishmael --- for the sake of Allah. as − As a result of Abraham's willing obedience, Allah did not permit Ishmael − to be sacrificed, and an animal was substituted instead. It is their obedience to Allah that is celebrated by Muslims the world over. On this − ‘Id, ‘Idul adhiyya, which is called those that can afford it, sacrifice an − − ± ± 414