04/22/20--Ramadan Begins
Observed as the holiest month in the Islamic Year which begins at the sighting of the new moon, Ramadan is the time Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort towards self-purification.
05/19/20--Laylat al-Qadr
Translates to the Night of Power, Laylat al-Qadr begins the previous evening and commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE.
05/24/20--Eid-ul-Fitr
Marks the end of Ramadan, one of the two major religious festivals in Islam, known as Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast."
07/11/20 -Imamat Day
Celebrated by Ismailis to mark the anniversary of the day that their present (or Hazar) Imam succeeded his predecessor to become the Imam of the Time.
07/29 - 08/3/20--Day of Hajj (Day of Arafat)
Muslims perform the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The pilgrimage is one of the five Pillars of Islam. All Muslims are expected to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
07/31/20--Eid-ul-Adha
Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands.
08/30/20--Ashura
The day of Ashura is on the tenth day of the first Islamic month and is commemorated by Shi'ite Muslims by mourning the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The story of Hazrat Imam Husain at the battle fought in Kerbala is retold on this day.
08/30/20--1st Muharram-Islamic New Year
The first day of Muharram represents the first day of the Islamic calendar year and continues for 29-30 days depending on the sighting of the moon.
10/30/20--Eid-Malad-un-Nabi
This date, the day of Prophet Muhammad's death, has been accepted as the date to celebrate his birth since his birth date is unknown. It is observed over a nine day period with fairs, parades, and feasts.
12/13/20 - Aga Khan's Birthday
The 49th Imam and leader of the Shia Ismalia. He held this position under the title of Ag Khan IV since July 11, 1957 when at the age of 20 he succeeded his grandfather Sultan Mohamed Shah.
