About 2% of the South African population are Muslims. The Islam follows a lunar calendar that is not corrected according to the solar calendar. Therefore, holidays occur at different times in the year. In the following you find some information about Islamic feasts and backgrounds:
Lailat ul- Barat (Persian) or Shab-e-Barat (Arabian)
Also known as the “Night of Fortune” or Night of emancipation. Two weeks before Ramadan, Muslims in some countries seek forgiveness for their sins. According to their belief, it is on this night that a person’s destiny is fixed for the coming year. Most Muslims spend the night in prayers and Zikirs, so that Allah will forgive their sins. Housewives prepare sweet dishes and distribute bread to the poor. The holiday is often concluded with fireworks and celebration. Shab-e-Barat takes place on the fourteenth of Shaban according to the Arabic calendar.
Ramadan
The month of fasting from dawn to sunset every day. Fasting includes the prohibition of all foods, drinks and smoking. It is an experience of self-discipline and enables all to experience the deprivation of poverty. The atmosphere is one of solemnity rather than sadness.
Eid El Fitr
This happy festival marks the end of the fast of Ramadan. The fast is often broken at the mosque followed by a festive meal at home. Giving charity is an essential feature of the day and children are given presents. The accent is on community and togetherness.
Eid-El-Adha
Four days which commemorate the end of the Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca. All over the Muslims sacrifice animals (Like Abraham did in substitute for his son – Muslim version his son Ishmail). A third of the meat is distributed to the poor; the rest is shared with relatives.
Al-Hijra (New Year’s Day)
Commemorates the Hijjra or migration of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622CE, which led to the establishment of the Muslim Community. Gifts are exchanged and stories told of Mohammed and his companions.
Ashura
Shiites commemorate the killing of Hussain, son of Ali at Karbala in what is now Iraq. Hussain was a grandson of Mohammed through his son-in-law Ali and is considered by Shi’ites to have been of the legitimate line of the Caliphs. They fast, mourn and re-enact the story. Sunni Muslims also fast on this day after the custom of Mohammed himself.
Maulid Nabi (Birthday of Mohammed)
The day is celebrated with a procession, stories and lectures on the life of Mohammed.
Famous Dish prepared by Muslims for Eid El Fitr:
Badami Gosht
Badami Gosht is an extremely liked dish, on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr as well as otherwise. It is a spicy non-vegetarian dish. It smells heavenly and is extremely luscious in taste, thus loved by everyone.
Badam Phirni
Badam Phirni is a sweet dish cooked on the festival of Eid ul Fitr. Though phirni is loved by all, it can be a real treat for those who love milk and milk products. Desserts are the pick of every festive meal and Badam Phirni has a smooth, rich and creamy taste, to live up to the flavor of the special occasion of Eid.
Nawabi Biryani
Nawabi Biryani is a special dish made on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. It is a non-vegetarian dish which is made by using liberal amount of raisins, and is called ‘Nawabi’ Biryani precisely for this reason. Its ingredients are easily available in the market, and it is also easy to cook.
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