What you'll learn
This topic examines three major Islamic occasions: the two Eids and Ashura. Understanding how Muslims celebrate and commemorate these events demonstrates the practical outworking of Islamic beliefs about submission to Allah, community worship, and historical remembrance. WJEC GCSE Religious Education papers regularly test your knowledge of the practices, meanings and significance of these occasions for Muslims today.
Key terms and definitions
Id-ul-Adha — The Festival of Sacrifice, celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
Id-ul-Fitr — The Festival of Breaking the Fast, celebrated at the end of Ramadan on the 1st of Shawwal, marking the completion of a month of fasting.
Ashura — The 10th day of Muharram, commemorated differently by Sunni and Shi'a Muslims; for Shi'a Muslims it marks the martyrdom of Husayn at Karbala.
Qurbani — The ritual sacrifice of an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow or camel) performed during Id-ul-Adha, following the example of Ibrahim.
Sadaqah — Voluntary charitable giving, particularly encouraged during Id-ul-Fitr as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
Takbir — The phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is the greatest), recited repeatedly during both Eid celebrations, particularly while travelling to prayer.
Khutbah — The sermon delivered by the imam after Eid prayers, providing religious teaching and community guidance.
Martyrdom — Dying for one's faith; central to Shi'a understanding of Ashura as Husayn's death at Karbala in 680 CE.
Core concepts
Id-ul-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Id-ul-Adha occurs annually on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This festival commemorates the account in which Ibrahim (Abraham) demonstrated absolute submission to Allah by preparing to sacrifice his son Isma'il (in Islamic tradition; Isaac in Jewish and Christian tradition). At the crucial moment, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead, rewarding Ibrahim's faithfulness.
Key practices during Id-ul-Adha:
- Special prayers: Muslims attend congregational Salat-ul-Eid prayers at the mosque or outdoor prayer ground, typically in the morning. These consist of two rak'ahs with additional takbirs.
- Qurbani (sacrifice): Those who can afford it sacrifice an animal, dividing the meat into three portions: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for those in need. This fulfils the principle of sharing Allah's blessings.
- Recitation of takbir: From after Fajr prayer on the 9th Dhul-Hijjah until after Asr prayer on the 13th, Muslims recite "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd."
- New clothes and gifts: Families wear their best clothes, exchange gifts, and visit relatives, strengthening community bonds.
- Connection to Hajj: Id-ul-Adha coincides with the final days of Hajj pilgrimage, uniting Muslims worldwide in commemoration of Ibrahim's submission.
Significance for Muslims:
The festival reinforces core Islamic values of tawakkul (trust in Allah), obedience to divine command, and social responsibility through sharing with the less fortunate. The act of sacrifice symbolises a Muslim's readiness to give up something valuable for Allah. For those performing Hajj, the sacrifice marks the completion of this fifth pillar of Islam.
Id-ul-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast
Id-ul-Fitr begins on the 1st of Shawwal, immediately following the completion of Ramadan. After 29 or 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims celebrate the discipline they have maintained and thank Allah for the strength to complete their fast.
Key practices during Id-ul-Fitr:
- Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (Zakat-ul-Fitr): Before the Eid prayer, Muslims must give a specific charitable donation, typically the cost of one meal per household member. This purifies the fast and ensures everyone can participate in the celebration.
- Breaking the fast: The day begins by eating something sweet (traditionally dates) before prayer, symbolising the end of fasting.
- Eid prayers: Special congregational prayers similar to Id-ul-Adha, performed in the morning with a khutbah following.
- Festive meals: Families prepare special foods and share meals together, often inviting guests to ensure no one celebrates alone.
- New clothes and gifts: Children particularly receive new clothes, money (known as Eidi), and presents.
- Visiting and forgiveness: Muslims visit family, friends and neighbours, seeking forgiveness for any wrongdoing and strengthening relationships.
Significance for Muslims:
Id-ul-Fitr celebrates spiritual achievement and self-discipline. The month of Ramadan develops taqwa (God-consciousness), and the Eid marks successful completion of this spiritual training. The emphasis on charity ensures that joy is shared across the community, reflecting the Islamic principle that worship includes social justice. Many Muslims describe it as a feeling of spiritual renewal and closeness to the Ummah (worldwide Muslim community).
Ashura: Day of Remembrance
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. This day holds significance in Islamic history, but its observance differs markedly between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
Sunni Muslim observance:
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura primarily commemorates Allah saving Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. According to hadith traditions, when Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he found Jews fasting on this day to mark this event. He recommended Muslims also fast, saying, "We are closer to Musa than you are."
Sunni practices on Ashura:
- Voluntary fasting: Many fast on the 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th of Muharram
- Increased prayer and Qur'an recitation
- Reflection on Allah's mercy and power in history
- Some communities prepare special foods like Ashura pudding (a sweet dish with grain, nuts and dried fruit)
Shi'a Muslim observance:
For Shi'a Muslims, Ashura marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the Prophet Muhammad's grandson) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Husayn and his small group of followers were killed by the army of Caliph Yazid I. Shi'a Muslims view this as the ultimate sacrifice against injustice and oppression.
Shi'a practices on Ashura:
- Mourning rituals: Public processions with participants wearing black, reciting elegies (marsiya) and passion plays (ta'ziyah) re-enacting Karbala
- Self-flagellation: Some Shi'a men engage in matam (chest-beating) or zanjeer zani (self-flagellation with chains), though this practice is discouraged by many Shi'a scholars
- Fasting and prayer: Many fast, though this is a mourning fast rather than celebratory
- Visiting Husayn's shrine in Karbala, Iraq (for those able to make the pilgrimage)
- Charitable giving in Husayn's memory
Significance of Ashura:
The different observances reflect the Sunni-Shi'a division in Islamic history. For Sunnis, Ashura demonstrates Allah's power to save the faithful and reinforces trust in divine providence. For Shi'as, Husayn's martyrdom represents the highest form of standing against tyranny and remaining faithful to Islamic principles regardless of cost. The commemoration reinforces Shi'a identity and values of sacrifice, justice and resistance to oppression.
Common features across celebrations and commemorations
All three occasions share certain characteristics that reflect broader Islamic practices:
- Community focus: Whether celebrating or mourning, Muslims gather collectively, reinforcing the importance of the Ummah
- Prayer centrality: Each occasion includes special prayers, acknowledging that all events occur within the framework of submission to Allah
- Historical remembrance: Each day connects contemporary Muslims with significant events in Islamic history
- Charity emphasis: Giving to those in need features prominently, particularly during the Eids
- Family and social bonds: These occasions strengthen relationships within Muslim communities
Worked examples
Example 1: 2-mark question
Question: Outline what happens during Id-ul-Adha.
Answer: Muslims attend special Eid prayers at the mosque where the imam delivers a khutbah. Those who can afford it perform Qurbani by sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat, with one-third going to the poor. Muslims also wear new clothes, exchange gifts and visit relatives.
Examiner guidance: This answer achieves full marks by providing specific practices (Eid prayers, khutbah, Qurbani, meat distribution) with sufficient detail. For 2 marks, two distinct points with development is expected.
Example 2: 5-mark question
Question: Explain the significance of Id-ul-Fitr for Muslims.
Answer:
Id-ul-Fitr is significant because it marks the successful completion of Ramadan, demonstrating that Muslims have fulfilled their religious duty of fasting. This develops taqwa (God-consciousness) and shows obedience to Allah's commands.
The festival is also significant because it emphasises charity and community. Muslims must give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr before prayers, ensuring that even poor people can celebrate. This reflects the Islamic belief that worship includes caring for others and sharing blessings.
Furthermore, Id-ul-Fitr brings the Ummah together in celebration. Muslims worldwide celebrate on the same day, attend prayers together, and share meals, strengthening bonds within the Muslim community. This unity reflects the Islamic principle that all Muslims are brothers and sisters in faith.
Examiner guidance: This answer achieves full marks (5) by explaining three distinct aspects of significance with development. Each paragraph contains a point, explanation, and link to Islamic beliefs or principles. The answer uses religious terminology accurately (taqwa, Ummah, Sadaqat-ul-Fitr).
Example 3: 15-mark evaluation question
Question: "Religious festivals are just an excuse for celebration and have lost their original meaning." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to Islam in your answer.)
Answer structure:
Arguments supporting the statement (6-7 marks):
- Some Muslims may focus more on the social aspects (new clothes, gifts, food) than spiritual meaning
- Commercial pressures can overshadow religious significance, with focus on spending money
- In multicultural societies, festivals may become secularised community events
- Young people may participate without understanding the religious significance of Ibrahim's sacrifice or completing Ramadan
Arguments against the statement (6-7 marks):
- For most Muslims, festivals remain deeply religious: Id-ul-Adha centres on Qurbani sacrifice, directly re-enacting Ibrahim's submission to Allah
- Mandatory acts like Eid prayers and Sadaqat-ul-Fitr ensure religious observance
- The festivals strengthen Islamic identity and teach younger generations about key beliefs
- Ashura, particularly for Shi'a Muslims, remains intensely religious with mourning rituals focused entirely on martyrdom and sacrifice
Conclusion with justified personal view (1-2 marks): Overall, while some superficial celebration occurs, the core religious practices remain central for committed Muslims. The compulsory elements (prayers, charity, sacrifice) ensure the original meanings are preserved, even if celebration accompanies them.
Examiner guidance: For full marks, the answer must present balanced arguments with specific Islamic examples, use religious terminology accurately, and reach a justified conclusion. AO2 evaluation questions require consideration of different viewpoints, not just description.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: Confusing the two Eids or describing them as the same festival. Correction: Id-ul-Adha commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice and involves animal sacrifice (Qurbani); Id-ul-Fitr celebrates completing Ramadan and involves Sadaqat-ul-Fitr charity. Learn the specific timing, practices and significance of each.
Mistake: Stating that Ashura is only about Husayn's martyrdom, ignoring Sunni observance. Correction: Explain that Sunni Muslims primarily commemorate Musa's rescue from Pharaoh and fast voluntarily, while Shi'a Muslims focus on Husayn's martyrdom at Karbala with mourning rituals. The WJEC mark scheme rewards awareness of diversity within Islam.
Mistake: Describing practices without explaining their significance or connection to beliefs. Correction: For "explain" or "significance" questions, always connect practices to underlying Islamic beliefs. For example, don't just say "Muslims sacrifice an animal"; explain this demonstrates submission to Allah following Ibrahim's example and fulfils the duty of sharing with the poor.
Mistake: Using vague phrases like "Muslims celebrate" or "it's important" without specific details. Correction: Name specific practices (Salat-ul-Eid, takbir, khutbah, Qurbani), give precise timing (10th Dhul-Hijjah, 1st Shawwal, 10th Muharram), and use correct terminology to demonstrate detailed knowledge.
Mistake: Claiming all Muslims observe these occasions identically. Correction: Acknowledge variations: Ashura differs significantly between Sunni and Shi'a; some practices vary by culture and country; levels of observance differ among individuals based on commitment and circumstance.
Mistake: Writing about Hajj practices in an answer about Id-ul-Adha. Correction: While Id-ul-Adha coincides with Hajj's final days, focus on what all Muslims do during the festival (prayers, sacrifice, celebration), not pilgrimage rituals performed only by those in Makkah.
Exam technique for Practices in Islam: celebrations and commemorations
Command word recognition: "Outline" questions (2 marks) require brief description of practices without detailed explanation. "Explain" questions (5 marks) require points developed with reasons and connections to beliefs. "Discuss/Evaluate" questions (15 marks) require balanced arguments from different viewpoints with a justified conclusion.
Mark allocation strategy: For 5-mark questions, aim for 2-3 developed points rather than many superficial ones. Each point should include: the practice, why Muslims do it, and connection to Islamic beliefs/teachings. For 15-mark questions, spend roughly equal time on arguments supporting and challenging the statement.
Specialist terminology: Examiners award credit for accurate use of terms. Incorporate: Qurbani, Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, takbir, khutbah, Salat-ul-Eid, taqwa, Ummah, martyrdom, Ibrahim, Husayn, Karbala. Spelling doesn't need to be perfect but should be recognisable.
Supporting evidence: Reference specific Qur'anic teachings (e.g., Surah 2:183 on fasting), hadith traditions (e.g., Prophet Muhammad's recommendation to fast on Ashura), or historical events (Battle of Karbala 680 CE). WJEC rewards answers that demonstrate knowledge beyond basic descriptions.
Quick revision summary
Three major Islamic occasions demonstrate core beliefs in practice. Id-ul-Adha (10th Dhul-Hijjah) commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice through Qurbani, Eid prayers and charity, showing submission to Allah. Id-ul-Fitr (1st Shawwal) celebrates completing Ramadan with Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, prayers and feasting, demonstrating taqwa. Ashura (10th Muharram) differs: Sunnis commemorate Musa's rescue and fast voluntarily; Shi'as mourn Husayn's martyrdom at Karbala with processions. All emphasise community, prayer, historical remembrance and connecting beliefs with actions.