Arabic Holidays

Arabic holidays focus on the Islamic religion. During holidays, the Muslim individuals don't eat during the day and feast during the evening. Businesses or restaurants may be closed and smoking and drinking may not be permitted. The holiday dates are the same on the Islamic calendar each year, but can move up to 11 days each year on the common Gregorian 365 day calendar, which focuses on the sun, while the Islamic calendar bases its days on the moon.

New Year's Day

New Year's day, always on January 1, celebrates the entry of a new year. It is the closest thing to a global holiday since it is based on both the Julian and Gregorian calendar. Many people set off fireworks to celebrate the year beginning at the stroke of midnight on December 31.

Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet)

The birth of the prophet, Muhammad, is celebrated in 2011 on February 15. During the holiday, which lasts two days, each TV and radio broadcast focuses on religion. A very special breakfast is served in the morning. In the afternoon, lunch includes couscous along with raisins, onion and a portion of sheep. The evening is filled with prayers and songs focused on the prophet.

Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)

Leilat al-Meiraj, which happens on June 28 in 2011, recognizes the prophet's entry into heaven. The holiday may move 11 days in either direction each year, due to the fact that the Muslim calendar focused on the lunar phases.

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

Eid al-Fitr, lasting three days, indicates the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month devoted to fasting; some activities, including drinking and smoking, are prohibited from dawn until dusk. The End of Ramadan occurs on the first day of the month known as Shawwal. The celebration occurs on August 30 in 2011. The day focuses on food, peace and family.

Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)

Eid al-Adha, occurring on November 6 of 2011, is observed after Hajj ends. The holiday remembers the command Allah gave to Abraham to sacrifice his first born son Ishmael. Prayers to Allah start in the morning. Individuals socialize and have festivals where they give gifts to one another, while children open sweets. Some of the wealthier individuals slay domestic animals as a sacrifice.

Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)

Citizens celebrate the Islamic New Year, Al-Hijra, to commemorate Muhammad's movement from Makkah to Madinah. Al-Hijra occurs November 26 in 2011. Some Muslims may give cards to one another, while most focus on reflecting on the year that is about to enter. It does not have celebratory activities like many other holidays.

National Day

National Day is December 2 of 2011. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Many towns hold events and ceremonies all over the country.

References

• World Travel Guide: United Arab Emirates Public Holidays
• SuhaibWebb: On celebrating the prophet's birthday
• CBS News: Muslims Pack Mosques to Celebrate End of Ramadan
• Religious Tolerance: Eid-Ul-Adha: The feast of sacrifice in Islam
• Religion Facts: Al-Hijra: Islamic New Year
• Calendars Through the Ages: Islamic Calendar