What are the main religious holidays in Islam?

Islam is a religion practiced by millions of believers around the world, each celebrating religious holidays that mark the year and strengthen the cohesion of the community. These celebrations are also moments of sharing and exchange, often an opportunity for non-Muslims to discover Islamic culture and spirituality. In this article, we revisit the main religious holidays in Islam, as well as their importance for believers. If you would like to deepen your language skills to better understand these traditions, our website offers a platform to learn how to speak Moroccan Arabic.

1. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting and reflection for Muslims. During this period, believers refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. However, fasting is only one aspect among others: the month of Ramadan also encourages prayer, charity, and self-discipline, in order to draw closer to God and perform good deeds.

At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated, also known as the “festival of breaking the fast.” It is a joyful moment when people give thanks to God, gather with family, and share festive meals. Muslims traditionally exchange greetings, often in Arabic. If you would like to know the dates of Ramadan 2026, you can consult our dedicated article.

2. Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, also called the “festival of sacrifice,” is the most important celebration in Islam after Ramadan. It commemorates the sacrifice of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who, in obedience to God, accepted to sacrifice his son before God stopped him and provided a ram in his place. On this occasion, many Muslim families symbolically sacrifice an animal (often a sheep), then share the meat among relatives, friends, and people in need.

This holiday embodies generosity, sharing, and solidarity. It is also marked by communal prayer, and it is customary to wish each other a happy Eid. To learn how to wish someone a happy Eid in Moroccan Arabic, discover our article on the topic!

3. Mawlid An-Nabawi (Celebration of the Prophet’s Birth)

Mawlid An-Nabawi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Mohammed). This holiday is an opportunity for many Muslims to gather in mosques and homes to recite religious texts (qasidahs or religious chants), study the life of the Prophet, and increase prayers. Practices vary depending on regions of the Muslim world and schools of thought, but the spirit of devotion and gratitude remains common to all.

4. Islamic New Year (1st of Muharram)

The Islamic New Year, which marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar, commemorates the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. Unlike the Gregorian New Year celebrated by the rest of the world, the 1st of Muharram is a time of reflection and prayer. Some believers take this date to reflect, fast, or perform acts of charity.

5. Ashura

Although less known outside the Muslim world, Ashura holds great importance in certain Islamic communities, especially in Morocco. This holiday commemorates the victory of Moses over Pharaoh and, for others, the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. In Morocco, Ashura is also an occasion to give gifts to children and share a festive meal.

6. Links with culture and family

Religious holidays in Islam are not limited to prayers and celebrations: they have an impact on social life, religion within American-Moroccan couples for example, and the transmission of traditions from generation to generation. Beyond religious obligations, these festive moments are opportunities to strengthen family and friendship bonds, practice solidarity with the most disadvantaged, and celebrate harmony within society.