Muslim calendar for 2008
Saturday 19 January
- Ashura
Islamic holy day observed on the 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram. Shi'ite Muslims regard it as a major festival marking the martydom of the Prophet's grandson, Hussein..
Thursday 20 March
- Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad)
Shia Muslims celebrate this 5 days later. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation.
Tuesday 25 March
- Milad un Nabi (Shia)
Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims celebrate this 5 days earlier. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation.
Tuesday 2 September
- Ramadan
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting.
Wednesday 1 October
- Eid-Ul-Fitr
The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah for His help with their month-long act of self-control.
Monday 8 December
- Hajj (start)
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims should complete at least once in their lifetime.
Thursday 11 December
- Eid-Ul-Adha
Festival of Sacrifice marking the day after Arafat. The Day of Arafat is the most important day in the Hajj ritual. This is a four day holiday
Monday 29 December
- Al-Hijira
Islamic New Year. Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina
