1.

Introduction
India is a beautiful land, full of cultures, wealth, traditions, festivals and much more than
anyone has seen before. All these things support to make one country. Especially, these
festivals which binds families, brings people of other faith together. Even visitors like to
enjoy our company. I’m greatly influenced by the Islamic religion and its festivals. Muslims
are the best people I have ever met. But, Islam is a minor religion and most of the people
don’t know about their philosophy, festivals, moral teachings etc. So, this becomes a great
opportunity for me to understand this religion and to make awareness of the good things that
are present. In this research paper I have tried to know major festivals of Islam
celebrated in the Goan society. After each festival I have critically evaluated the topic in
showing some comparisons with Christianity.
2. Islamic Calendar
The world has known many different calendar systems since human beings first began to
keep track of time. Each civilization’s history, culture, dominant religion, and knowledge of
the natural world has influenced its time-reckoning system1. As a result, different calendars
came into existence. The most commonly used calendar system is Gregorian calendar.
Besides that, there are other calendar systems such as Julian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist,
Chinese and one of them is Islamic calendar based on lunar system which is used by Islamic
society. The Muslim calendar establishes the year 622 C.E. as year one of the Muslim Era. In
622 AD Muhammed along with his followers went to Medina, this flight from Mecca to
Medina is known as Hijrah and marks the beginning of the Islamic era2.

Hijrah calendar is made up of 12 months of 29-30 days each, for a total of 354 days. The
names of the Islamic months are an ancient reflection of the seasons of the solar year:

Muharram: the sacred month

Safar: the month which is void
Rabi al-Awwal: the first spring
Rabi ath-Thani: the second spring
Jumada-l-Ula: the first month of dryness
Jumada-th-Thaniyyah: the second month of dryness
Rajab: the revered month
Shaban: the month of division
Ramadan: the month of great heat
Shawwal: the month of hunting
Dhu al-Qadah: the month of rest
Dhu al-Hijjah: the month of pilgrimage3

1
Tanya Gulevich, Understanding Islam and Muslim Traditions, (USA: Omnigraphics Inc.,
2004), 252.
2
Rama Krishna Rao, Muhammad: The Prophet of Islam, (Delhi: New Crescent Publishing
Company, 1979), 3.
3
Helene Henderson, ed. Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary,
(USA: Omnigraphics Inc., 2005), xxiii-xxiv.
Islamic calendar plays a very important role in guiding the Muslims to know the time of the
year and prepare for the festivals.
3. Major Festivals in Islam
Life without celebration is like food without spices. To make this life meaningful, Muslims
all over the globe celebrate different festivals. Each celebration has its own significance. The
festivals are not private events but communitarian. These festivals are aimed to increase their
piety and faith in the tenants of Islam. So, here are some of them:
3.1. Muharram
Muharram is the first month in the Muslim calendar. Therefore, for Muslims the first of
Muharram is New Year’s Day. Pious men attend prayers in the Mosque. On the first day, it is
like fanfare. Muharram is also called ‘Ashura’. Ashura means ‘tenth’ in Arabic. Ashura
commemorates the murder of the Imam Hussein and certain members of his family in the
year 680 at Karbala, a city located in modern-day Iraq. All Muslims respect Hussein as the
grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. After the death of Prophet Muhammed, he had not
appointed successor. One group of his followers believed that succession should remain
within Muhammad’s family, while another disagreed. After a long dispute, Abu Bakr, a loyal
follower of Muhammed, was elected his successor. His reign was peaceful, as was that of his
successors.
However, during the reign of Ali, the Prophets Son-in-law, there was opposition from the
masses. Ali was assassinated and his son Hussein, his family and his troops, were tortured
and killed, and Hussein’s head was served and presented to the king.
Sunni Muslims fast during Muharram and observe it as a day of reflection and gratitude as
prophet Muhammad observed a two-day fast on this day and urged his followers to do the
same. Shia Muslims mourn the killing of Hussein during Muharram; Public events are held,
prayers organised and processions showcase ardent lovers of Ali and Hussein who flog
themselves, walk on fire and re-enact various plays to remember the pain Hussein was put
through on the Day of Ashura4.
3.1.1. Evaluation
As Christians, we too remember our dead members of the family. We mourn for our near and
dear ones. We celebrate and pray during the mass for the soul of the dead person. In a special
way, we celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. We give food for the poor in the name
of dead. Whenever we remember them, it evokes in us the qualities of that person. In such
acts, the religious festivals help to keep a family bonded together in love and care for each
other.
3.2. Eid Milad un Nabi

4
Sifat Shaikh, e-mail message to author, December 27, 2018.
Eid Milad un Nabi or ‘Barah Wafat’ is a commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
and also the day of his death. The name Muhammad means “highly praised one.”. Prophet
Muhammed was born on 12th April, 570 C.E. at Mecca in Arabia. In 610 C.E., Prophet is said
to have had a revelation from Allah through the angel Gabriel who is the Messenger of Allah.

The day is remembered through songs, stories and preaching where the prophet’s life and his
teachings are discussed5. Devout Muslims also perform acts of charity and alms giving.
Learned men and scholars focus their sermons on the life and teachings of Prophet
Muhammed and inspire people to follow the path of good life as shown in Quran. It is the day
of happiness and festivities.

3.2.1. Evaluation

Unlike Muhammad’s birthday, Christians also celebrate the birthday of Jesus on 25 th

December. Whenever we love someone, our heart and mind always tries to recall and
remember that person. In a same way, we also remember Jesus who is all loving. We try to
imitate Him and walk on the way He walked. The joy in celebrating birthdays of one another
keeps families in love of each other.

3.3. Eid-Ul-Adha

Eid-Ul-Adha or Bakri Id is one of the most popular festivals celebrated all over the world. It
commemorates the sacrifices of prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his
first born on God’s command, and later sacrificed a sheep as per God’s instructions. Animals
like goat, sheep, cow or camel are sacrificed on this day6. It is the day of feasting and visiting
friends and families to say Id Mubarak7. The festival is celebrated after the Hajj pilgrimage.

3.3.1. Evaluation

Christians also offer sacrifices to God. The offering is not by killing animals but in the form
of fruits, money etc. I personally do not believe in offering sacrifices to God because God
does not require it. He appreciates a pure heart and a good character of a person. Instead of
such sacrifices as a sign of repentance, why don’t we give the same amount to a person in
need.

3.4. Eid al- Fitr

Eid al Fitr is also known as Ramadan or Ramzan Id. Ramadan is the ninth month of the
Islamic calendar. Observant Muslims fast throughout the entire month, refraining from eating
and drinking during the daylight hours. This fast is considered one of the Five Pillars of
Islam, that is, one of the five beliefs and practices agreed upon by all followers of the
religion8. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of a light snack such as dates and
then attending morning prayers with family members in a mosque. This festival

7
A.P. Sharna and others, Festivals of India, (Delhi: Prashant Publications, 2007), 122.
8
Tanya Gulevich, Understanding Islam and Muslim Traditions, 297.
commemorates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Fitr is “to break the fast”. It is
celebrated on the first day of the 10 th month i.e. Shawwal. Fasting is forbidden on this day.
Happiness is observed as accomplishing a spiritual nurture after a month of fasting.

3.4.1. Evaluation
Fasting is usually seen as a weapon to come closer to God, it is through the bodily fast that
people experience the pain of the poor brethren. For Christians, the season of “lent” becomes
a season of fast and penance to experience Christ’s passion and to prepare for his
Resurrection. Id al-Fitr signifies a great control of Muslims on the food, which helps one to
keep control over the body. Fast also keeps one healthy.

4. Conclusion

All the festivals become a powerful force to build a strong community. Their main purpose is
to create peace and harmony with each other and come closer to God. Each religion is unique.
If we go to see, there are fights in the name of religion in our country. The beautiful formula
of Islam in this regard is to follow One and respect all. Islam believes in one God and
worships Him alone. Prophets act as mediators. Trying to find God is like finding one’s
centre of love, and this love is experienced only through each other. Let us learn to embrace
each religion and acquire all the good things that a religion teaches you.