Mawlid an-Nabi
The Prophet’s Birthday, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
The Prophet’s birthday is traditionally celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal. During this time we seek to connect with his spirit deeply and spend time studying his biography, considering how his lessons are our lessons, too.
Sidi Remembrance Week
Our beloved guide passed away on September 11, 2015, qaddasa-llahu sirrahu (may Allah protect his secret). Each year we spend at least a week praying for him, remembering him in community, and spending extra time with his teachings.
The Month of Rajab
One of the 4 Sacred Months
Rajab is one of the 4 sacred months and is noted as “the Month of Allah,” during which we are commanded to do no harm to anyone, including ourselves. It is the month of seeking forgiveness from Allah continually and preparing ourselves for Ramadan. The first night of Rajab is one of 5 nights during the year in which personal prayers are always accepted.
‘Isra wal Miraj, the 27th Day of Rajab
The Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
This day marks the Night’s Journey of Mohammad saws, from Mecca to Jerusalem and accent into the 7th Heaven
Mid-Shaban
The 15th Night in the Holy Month of Shaban
This is the night when Allah decides on His orders for us for the coming year and also a night when Allah forgives our sins. Like Rajab, Shaban is also known as a month of repentance and as a month to prepare oneself for Ramadan.
Ramadan
The Month of Fasting, Repentance, Mercy, and Forgiveness
Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. The first verse of the Holy Qur’an was revealed during this month, and it is the month where Allah is ready and waiting for our repentance and for our worship. For even the smallest acts of worship Allah rains blessings down upon us in abundant splendor. Because worship is so important during this month, travelers on the path fast every day from sunrise to sunset and do extra prayers, extra al-wird, extra remembrance, etc..
Laylat al-Qadr – The 27th Day of Ramadan
The Holiest Night of the Year
Laylat al-Qadr translates as “The Night of Power.” In the Qur’an Allah says that this night is better than 1,000 months (97:3). It is the night the first verses of the Qur’;an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
‘Eid al-Fitr
The 3-Day Feast Following Ramadan
In Islam we have two 3-day feasts–one after Ramadan ends and one at the end of Hajj. Click below to learn more about how we observe our joyous occasions.
Hajj
The Pilgrimage to Mecca
Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Ka’ba, the “House of God,” in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Hajj lasts for All travelers on the path are required to go once in their lifetime, if possible. Those who make the pilgrimage join processions of millions of people to perform a series of rituals over the course of 5-6 days.
Day of ‘Arafat
The Holiest Day of the Year
The Day of ‘Arafat is an incredibly special day. It’s the second day of the pilgrimage and during the second half of the day pilgrims stand with sincere devotion, praying for God’s forgiveness, and listening to Islamic scholars speak on issues of religious and moral importance. Everyone is making repentance, crying, and seeking Allah’s mercy. This special day is known as the day Allah, Most High perfected the religion of Islam.
‘Eid al-Adha
The Feast of the Sacrifice
This 3-day feast honors the Prophet Ibrahim for his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son. Allah intervened and “turned his knife to water,” and Ibrahim was unable to complete the sacrifice. Instead, he sacrificed a sheep. To commemorate the lessons in this event for us, it is traditional to pay to have a sheep sacrificed and given to a family that is food insecure. Sweets and gifts are given, and extended family members are typically visited and welcomed. The community gathers, when it is possible, to pray Eid prayers together.
First 10 Days of Muharram
Islamic New Year
The New Year opens with the month of Muharram, one of the 4 sacred months decreed by Allah. Muharram means “forbidden” in Arabic, and this month was so named in order to forbid fighting during it.
Day of Ashura
The 10th Day of Muharram
Sunni Muslims celebrate Ashura by remembering how the Prophet Musa was guided by Allah to save the Jews from Pharaoh. This is a day to fast and spend time in spiritual retreat.