The Middle East is a region with a rich cultural heritage and diverse religious beliefs, and this is reflected in the various holidays celebrated throughout the year. These holidays celebrated in the Middle East are an important aspect of the region’s cultural identity and bring families and communities together.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is celebrated with great joy and is a time for feasting and giving gifts to friends and family. In the Middle East, the holiday is usually celebrated for three days and is marked by large gatherings for prayers, family gatherings, and feasts. In some countries, it is also customary to give out sweets and money to children.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second most important holiday in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God. The holiday is marked by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, and the meat is divided into three parts, with one part given to the poor and needy. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, prayers, and feasts, and is also a time for gift-giving and visits with friends and relatives.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken at night with a meal called iftar, which is often shared with friends and family. Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal and is considered to be a time of increased blessings and rewards from God.
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal. It is celebrated with religious rituals, such as special prayers and recitation of the Quran, and is also marked by feasts, sweets, and gift-giving. In some countries, it is customary to decorate homes and public spaces with colourful and colourful decorations.
Hijri New Year
Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. It is celebrated with religious rituals, such as special prayers and the recitation of the Quran, and is also marked by feasts and gift-giving. In some countries, it is customary to decorate homes and public spaces with lights and colourful decorations.
National Days
National Days in the Middle East are an opportunity for people to celebrate their country’s independence and cultural heritage. They are usually marked by large parades, military demonstrations, and cultural shows. People often decorate their homes and public spaces with the national flag and other symbols of the country. In some countries, it is customary to give gifts to friends and family and to enjoy a day off from work.
Holidays in the Middle East are an important aspect of the region’s cultural identity and bring families and communities together. They are celebrated with great joy and are an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their heritage, and make new memories with friends and loved ones.
