3.9: Culture (2) الثقافة
In this section, you will learn about:
- Months of the year in the Arab world (Hijri / Lunar Calendar).
- Some of the cultural celebrations related to the Hijri Calendar in the Arab World.
Hijri Months:
Muslims around the world follow another calendar, in addition to the Gregorian one, called the Hijri or Lunar Calendar. This Lunar calendar consists of 12 months and is based on the sighting of the new moon every month.
|
No. |
Month Pronunciation |
Arabic Name |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Muharram | مُحَرَّم |
|
2 |
Safar | صَفَر |
|
3 |
Rabi' Al-Awwal | رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل |
|
4 |
Rabi' Al-Thani / Rabi' Al-Aakher |
رَبِيع ٱلثَّانِي / رَبِيع ٱلْآخِر |
|
5 |
Jumada Al-Oula | جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ |
|
6 |
Jumada Al-Thaniyah /Jumada Al-Aakhirah |
جُمَادَىٰ ٱلثَّانِيَة / جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْآخِرَة |
|
7 |
Rajab | رَجَب |
|
8 |
Sha'baan | شَعْبَان |
|
9 |
Ramadan | رَمَضَان |
|
10 |
Shawwal | شَوَّال |
|
11 |
Thu Al-Qa'dah | ذُو ٱلْقَعْدَة |
|
12 |
Thu AL-Hijjah | ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة |
Cultural Celebrations Related to the Hijri Calendar in the Arab World:
The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar, follows the lunar cycle and is predominantly used in the Arab world and other Muslim-majority nations. The Islamic calendar holds significant cultural celebrations and religious observances tied to its months and events. To give you an idea, here are some of the main cultural celebrations linked to the Hijri calendar in the Arab world:
1. Islamic New Year / Hijri New Year (رأس السنة الهجريّة/Ra's al Sanah al Hijriyah): The onset of the Islamic lunar calendar is signaled by the Islamic New Year. This event holds great religious importance, as it honors the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. However, in many Arab countries, it is also celebrated as a cultural occasion. The day is often marked with prayers, introspection, and socializing with loved ones.
2. Ramadan (رمضان): Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is regarded as the most sacred month in Islam. During this month, Muslims fast, pray, engage in reflection and spend time with their community. In the Arab world, Ramadan is observed with special pre-dawn meals known as suhoor and breaking the fast at sunset known as iftar, which is often done communally. Additionally, it is a time for increased acts of charity and spiritual devotion.
3. Eid Al Fitr (عيد الفطر): The Festival of Breaking the Fast, also known as Eid Al Fitr, is celebrated upon the completion of the month-long Ramadan fasting period. This occasion is marked by various activities including prayers, feasting, gift-giving, and charitable acts. It is a time of happiness where families and friends gather together to celebrate. Special events and festivities are organized by communities to commemorate this occasion.
4. Islamic Pilgrimage (الحج/Hajj): Although Hajj is mainly a religious pilgrimage, it has cultural significance throughout the Arab world. During the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah, millions of Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage. Even for those who do not undertake the pilgrimage, Hajj is a time of increased spirituality and contemplation, and is associated with many cultural traditions.
5. Eid Al Adha (عيد الأضحى): Eid Al Adha, which is also referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday that is celebrated by Muslims around the world. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (known as Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God's command. However, before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram instead. The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is observed following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The dates of the festival vary each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
6. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (عيد المولد النبويّ/Eid Al Mawlid Al Nabawi): The celebration of Eid Al Mawlid Al Nabawi takes place during the month of Rabi' Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar and is held in honor of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This occasion is marked with various activities such as prayers, recitations of poetry, lectures on the life and teachings of the Prophet, and charitable acts. Processions, decorations, and special foods are also part of the celebrations in some Arab countries, particularly in Egypt and Morocco.
In the Arab world, there are various cultural celebrations that are associated with the Islamic calendar. The cultural practices, rituals, and observances in the region are significantly influenced by the Hijri calendar. The Hijri calendar holds a central position in shaping these aspects of culture.
Activities:
Month Names Crosswords:
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