The sighting of a new crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan, a time for piety and self-reflection.
Many Muslims, particularly those who live in the U.S. and Europe, are accepting and welcoming of others around them who are not observing Ramadan. They also are not expecting shorter work hours, as is the case in the public sector across much of the Arab world during Ramadan. H...
Why do we celebrate Muharram? What was the miracle of Hanukkah? Why is Ramadan an important holiday on the Muslim calendar? What is the first day of the Jewish calendar? When does the new year start on the Jewish calendar? Why do you dress up on Purim?
Arafat Day, also known as the Day of Arafah, holds great significance for Muslims around the world. It falls on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan and just one day before the festival of Eid Al Adha. Arafat Day commemorates a key...
After a month of self-control, devotion, and dedicatedprayer, Muslims celebrate what they have just accomplished with the Festival of Breaking the Fast—the beginning of this holiday. This holiday is usually a national one in countries with large Muslim populations. Celebrations for this holiday ty...
L'Chaim in Hebrew is a toast meaning "to life". When a couple becomes engaged, they get together with friends and family to celebrate. Since they drink l'chaim
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) ofthe Shia Ismaili Muslims. Does Ismailis celebrate Muharram? Like other Shia communities,Ismaili Jamats do not celebrate any festivities during the first ten days of Muharram. They honour and respect the life and deeds ...
At the end of the April, we enter the Islamic month of Ramadan. During the month, Muslims will fast during daylight hours. Again, this festival carries a message of short-term sacrifice for a greater good. Self-Isolate, much? We’ll finish off by telling you about one festival that has...
Hanukkah is a festival celebrated every year by people of the Jewish faith. In this lesson, learn about the history of this holiday, and discover traditions and ways that people celebrate this Feast of Lights. Explore our homework questions and answers library ...
Lynsey Addario talks about her experience working within these communities across the U.S. during a years-long reporting project.