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Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) | Holidays and Observances
Milad un Nabi (Mawlid)
Abstract
Many Muslims in Canada celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's birth and life or mourn his death on Eid Milad ul-Nabi (Mawlid, Milad-un-Nabi). The date occurs during the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal. Some Muslims mark this occasion by fasting or with parades, special prayers or conferences.
What Do People Do?
Many Muslims in Canada may mark Eid Milad ul-Nabi by fasting during daylight hours or saying special prayers. Some communities organize parades, lectures or readings of poems on Muhammad's life and work.
Many people believe that it is important to tell the story of Muhammad's life to children. Children often play an important part in the celebrations. Many mosques organize Eid Milad ul-Nabi celebrations that include sermons, prayers and a communal meal. The rooms used during the celebrations may be decorated with banners or modest flower arrangements.
Public Life
Eid Milad ul-Nabi is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, some Muslim businesses and organizations may be closed for part or all of the day or offer a reduced level of service. Parades may cause some local disruption to traffic, particularly in Toronto.
About Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) in Other Countries
Read more aboutMilad un Nabi (Mawlid).
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/prophet-birthday
Muharram/Islamic New Year | Holidays and Observances
Muharram/Islamic New Year
Many Muslims in countries such as Canada observe the start of the Islamic New Year on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar.
What Do People Do?
Muslims in Canada choose to fast during Muharram, although fasting is not obligatory. Many Muslims also engage in voluntary prayer, including evening prayer, during Muharram. Some Islamic organizations in Canada host lectures and sessions regarding the mourning associated with the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (also known as Imam Hussain) that occurred in 680 CE. Some people also read books about Islam to increase their knowledge on the teachings of Islam.
The Day of Ashura (or Ashurah) is known as the most sacred day in the month of Muharram. It is the 10th day of Muharram and is a day of fasting for many Sunni Muslims. Many Shi’a Muslims use the day to commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali in 680 CE. Some Muslims give to charity on this day.
Public Life
The first day of Muharram is an Islamic observance and is not a nationwide public holiday in Canada.
Background
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic year and a time of mourning and peace. It is forbidden for Muslims to fight during this month. A number of important events in Islamic history have occurred during this month. These include:
The Battle of Karbala (currently in Iraq) in the year 680 CE, which enabled Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, and his army to enter the city on the first day of the month.
The restriction of Husayn ibn Ali's access to water on the seventh day.
The death of Husayn ibn Ali and his clan (Ahl al-Bayt) on the 10th day of the month.
The Shi'a and Sunni denominations of Islam attach different weights to these events and mark them in different ways.
About Muharram/Islamic New Year in Other Countries
Read more aboutMuharram/Islamic New Year.
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/muharram-new-year
Eid ul Adha | Holidays and Observances
Eid ul Adha
Eid al-Adha is a significant annual Islamic observance for many Muslims in Canada. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God.
What Do People Do?
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for the Muslim community in Canada. This event involves many Muslims waking up early and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. People dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.
Old wrongs are forgiven and money is given to the poor. Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise God and give thanks to him, according to Islamic belief.
Large crowds have gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in cities such as Ottawa in the recent past. Political leaders in Canada have also made statements to wish their best to Islamic communities during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Children’s publications about holidays such as Eid al-Fitr have also written and made available in many parts of North America, including Canada.
Public Life
Eid al-Adha is not a nationwide public holiday in Canada. However, some Islamic organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service and there may be some local traffic congestion around mosques and venues where Eid al-Adha celebrations are held.
Background
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates accomplishment. Eid al-Adha also serves as a reminder of when Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to sacrifice his son to God, according to Islamic belief.Eid al-Adha being the other major festival. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting that occurs during Ramadan.
It is not possible to predict the date of Eid al-Fitr according to the Gregorian calendar accurately. This is because the month of Shawwal begins, and hence the month of Ramadan ends, after a confirmed sighting of the new moon. The new moon may be sighted earlier or later in specific locations. Hence, Muslims in different communities, for example on the east and west coasts of the USA and Canada, may begin the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations on different dates.
About Eid ul Adha in Other Countries
Read more aboutEid ul AdhaEid ul Fitr.
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/eid-al-adha
Eid ul Fitr | Holidays and Observances
Eid ul Fitr
Many Muslims in Canada celebrate Eid al-Fitr (also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr) on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries.
What Do People Do?What Do People Do?
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for the Muslim community in Canada. This event involves many Muslims waking up early and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. People dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.
Old wrongs are forgiven and money is given to the poor. Special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise God and give thanks to him, according to Islamic belief.
Large crowds have gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in cities such as Ottawa in the recent past. Political leaders in Canada have also made statements to wish their best to Islamic communities during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Children’s publications about holidays such as Eid al-Fitr have also written and made available in many parts of North America, including Canada.
Public Life
Eid al-Fitr is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, many Islamic businesses and organizations may alter their business hours during this event. There may be some congestion around mosques around this time of the year.
Background
Eid al-Fitr is also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking or the Lesser Feast. It marks the end of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries, such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is one of Islam’s two major festivals, with Eid al-Adha being the other major festival. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting that occurs during Ramadan.
It is not possible to predict the date of Eid al-Fitr according to the Gregorian calendar accurately. This is because the month of Shawwal begins, and hence the month of Ramadan ends, after a confirmed sighting of the new moon. The new moon may be sighted earlier or later in specific locations. Hence, Muslims in different communities, for example on the east and west coasts of the USA and Canada, may begin the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations on different dates.
About Eid ul Fitr in Other Countries
Read more about Eid ul Fitr.
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/eid-al-fitr
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) | Holidays and Observances
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)
Many Muslims in Canada celebrate Laylat al Qadr, also spelled as Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, which most likely falls on one of the last 10 days of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny, it commemorates the night when God (Allah) revealed the Qur’an (or Koran), which is the Islamic holy book, to the prophet Muhammad (also known as Mohammad), according to Islamic belief.
What Do People Do?
Many Muslim Canadians believe that Laylat al Qadr marks the time when the Qur’an’s first verses were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammed. It is also believed that this night marks their fate in the following year. Therefore, many Muslims pray in the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. This practice is also called Ehyaa.
This "Night of Power" is considered the most appropriate time of the entire year to pray for salvation and blessings. It is believed that a Muslim’s past sins are forgiven if the person prays throughout this night. Many Muslims assemble at mosques during the Isha’ prayer and pray until midnight.
Public Life
Laylat al-Qadr is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, many Islamic organizations and businesses may alter their opening hours and there may be some congestion around mosques, particularly in the evening and at night.
Background
Laylat al Qadr commemorates the night in 610 CE when Allah revealed the Qur’an (Islamic holy book) to the prophet Muhammad. The angel Gabriel first spoke to the prophet during that time, which marked the beginning of Muhammed’s mission. These revelations continued throughout the remainder of his life, according to Islamic belief.
Children begin studying the Qur’an from an early age and they celebrate the moment when they have read all the chapters for the first time. Many adults try to memorize the Qur’an. The common belief that this day occurred on the 26th or 27th day of Ramadan has no Islamic base. It seems to have originated in Manichaeism where the death of Mani is celebrated on the 27th day of the fasting month. This day is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny.
There is a difference of opinion about the date for Laylat al-Qadr but, in general, it is agreed that it is most likely to be in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with the odd nights being more likely. Of the odd nights, the night of the 27th (which is the night before the 27th of Ramadan, as the Islamic day starts with nightfall) is most likely, according to many Muslim scholars.
About Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) in Other Countries
Read more aboutLaylatul Qadr (Night of Power).
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/laylat-al-qadr
Ramadan Start | Holidays and Observances
Ramadan Start
Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in Canada. The first verses of the Koran (Qu'ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammad or Muhammed) during the last third of Ramadan, making this an especially holy period.
What Do People Do?
Many Muslims in Canada fast during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. The fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar after sunset. The evening meal usually consists of lentils or other pulses, including chickpeas. Some mosques host daily community dinners where Muslims can break their fast together during Ramadan.
Many Muslims broaden their compassion for the hungry and less fortunate when they fast. Therefore, Ramadan is also a time for many Muslims to donate to charity by participating in food drives for the poor and other voluntary activities. Muslims are encouraged to be charitable during Ramadan.
People of Islamic faith are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur'an by the end of Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a section of the Qur'an is recited.
Public Life
Many Islamic businesses and organizations may amend opening hours to suit prayer times during Ramadan in Canada. There may also be some congestion around mosques during prayer times, such as in the evenings.
Background
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month. Fighting is not allowed during this period.
The month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting, marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims (except children, the sick and the elderly) abstain from food, drink, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and commemorates the time when the Qu’ran (Islamic holy book) is said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on Laylat Al-Qadr, one of the last 10 nights of the month. Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again, marking the new lunar month’s start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
About Ramadan Start in Other Countries
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Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/ramadan-begins
Isra and Mi'raj | Holidays and Observances
Isra and Mi'raj
Many Muslims in Canada observe Isra and Mi'raj (Al Isra' wal Miraj, Lailat al Mi’raj, or Laylat al Miraj). This event commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven. It is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.
What Do People Do?
Many Muslims in Canada make special prayers in the evening or attend prayer services and sermons at Islamic centers or mosques. Others observe Isra and Mi’raj quietly at home. Some Muslims celebrate the event over two days. Other activities associated with Isra and Mi’raj include fasting during the day, as well as reciting the Qu’ran (Koran) and using the tasbih (commonly made of various stones or wooden beads and used for prayer) in the night.
Some people make sweets to share with others or give donations to charity around this time of the year. This event gives Muslims the chance to reflect on the importance of prayer. It is a time for people, particularly students, to learn more about Isra and Mi'raj, what it means in Islamic faith, and how it is applied in practice. Some students learn about Isra and Mi’raj by listening to scholars on CD or audiotape while others read material obtained from bookstores, libraries and other resource centers.
Public Life
Isra and Mi’raj is not a public holiday in Canada. There may be some local congestion on roads around major mosques in the evening of the event.
Background
Isra and Mi’raj is a two-fold event that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven, according to Islamic belief. One night during the 10th year of Muhammad’s prophecy, the angel Gabriel woke him and traveled with him to Jerusalem. Muhammad prayed at the site of the Temple of Solomon with the prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others.
The Prophet Muhammad then rose to heaven (carried by Gabriel) from the rock of the temple mount, where many people believe that the Dome of the Rock sanctuary now stands. Allah instructed Muhammad about the five daily prayers that all Muslims must observe. This day is also known as the Night Journey.
About Isra and Mi'raj in Other Countries
Read more aboutIsra and Mi'raj.
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/isra-miraj
Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) | Holidays and Observances
Milad un Nabi (Mawlid)
Abstract
Many Muslims in Canada celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's birth and life or mourn his death on Eid Milad ul-Nabi (Mawlid, Milad-un-Nabi). The date occurs during the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal. Some Muslims mark this occasion by fasting or with parades, special prayers or conferences.
What Do People Do?
Many Muslims in Canada may mark Eid Milad ul-Nabi by fasting during daylight hours or saying special prayers. Some communities organize parades, lectures or readings of poems on Muhammad's life and work.
Many people believe that it is important to tell the story of Muhammad's life to children. Children often play an important part in the celebrations. Many mosques organize Eid Milad ul-Nabi celebrations that include sermons, prayers and a communal meal. The rooms used during the celebrations may be decorated with banners or modest flower arrangements.
Public Life
Eid Milad ul-Nabi is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, some Muslim businesses and organizations may be closed for part or all of the day or offer a reduced level of service. Parades may cause some local disruption to traffic, particularly in Toronto.
About Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) in Other Countries
Read more aboutMilad un Nabi (Mawlid).
Image and content source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/prophet-birthday