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Islam

Year One

RE | Year 3 | Islam | Special Festivals | Lesson 4

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I can name and explain the key Muslim festivals.

Success Criteria

Aim

I can name the main Muslim festivals.
I can explain what happens at each festival.

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Celebrations

Which festivals do you celebrate?

I will now interview some of you with the following questions:

Why do you celebrate that festival?
What special things do you eat at that festival?
Do you wear any special clothes?
Are there any special rituals that you do at this festival?
Do you get anything or give anything at this festival?

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Researching Celebrations

Use the books and the internet to find out about your Muslim Festival

Use this sheet to record your findings. You will need to find out the following:

What? What is the name of the festival? How does it get its name?
Who? Who celebrates this festival?
When and Where? When does it happen? Where does it happen on the world?
Why? Why do they celebrate this festival?
How? How do they celebrate it?

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Muslim Festivals: Ramadan

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan. The Islamic calendar has twelve months in total.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the hours of daylight. Sawm (fasting), is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims fast during Ramadan to help learn self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. Fasting also reminds them of the suffering of the poor and hungry. Before sunrise, Muslims will have one meal (known as suhoor) and after sunset they will have another meal (known as iftar).

During the month of Ramadan, the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims try to give up their bad habits and become better Muslims by praying more or reading the Qur’an. Many Muslims will go to special services at the mosque where the Qur’an is read.

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Muslim Festivals: Eid-ul-Fitr

The festival for the first day after Ramadan is called Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims celebrate this festival at the end of the fast of Ramadan. This festival lasts three days and family and friends all get together to eat good food, share presents and give to charity.

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Muslim Festivals: Eid-ul-Adha

70 days after Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice). This festival remembers when Abraham was going to sacrifice his son to show his obedience to Allah. It also marks the end of the Hajj. It happens in the last month of the Islamic calendar.

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Muslim Festivals: Dhu-Al-Hijja

This is the month of pilgrimage. It is when all Muslims, at least once in their life, should try and make the pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Muslim Festivals: Al Hijra

This is the Islamic New Year. It begins on the day Muhammad left Mecca to travel to Medina.

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I can name and explain the key Muslim festivals.