Islamic (Hijri) Calendar:
Islamic lunar calendar, often called the Hijri calendar, is dated from 16th July, 622 C.E. when Muhammad, the righteous person believed by Muslims to be the final messenger of God, and his followers migrated from Makkah (Mecca) to Madinah (formerly named Yathrib). Since Islamic Calendar is based on lunar cycles, Muslim holy days move around the Gregorian calendar eleven days each year. The current Hijri year, that is, 1422 Hijri, started on March 26th of 2001.
Islamic Holidays:
The month of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha are major Muslim holy days. Recognizing these holy days not only brings awareness to diversity within the student population, but also instills pride in Muslim students who celebrate them. Muslims maintain that a healthy and vibrant society is one in which uniformity is not imposed but rather differences are celebrated and appreciated.
Since Islamic practices and holy days are not yet a part of the greater American culture, Muslim students are often embarrassed or shy to address these practices or holy days. However, it is a major benefit of living in an open and multi-cultural place, such as, the New York Metro Area, that people of all backgrounds and cultures can share and enjoy each other’s similarities as well as differences.
Ramadan:
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is important because Muslims believe that the first verses of the Qur’an (Koran) were revealed to Muhammad in this month. During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset to develop piety and self-restraint. Ramadan will begin on November 17th, 2001 (the day after the Harry Potter movie is scheduled to release.) Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days.
Eid-ul-Fitr:
The Festival of the Fast-breaking marks the end of Ramadan. The Festival’s will fall on December 16th, 2001.
Eid-ul-Adha:
The Festival of the Sacrifice takes place during the time of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca,) performed by over two million Muslims each year. The Festival’s first day will fall on February 23rd, 2002. Although Eid-ul-Adha lasts for three days, most Muslims in America tend to observe only the first day.
This fact sheet was created not only to inform teachers of these Muslim holy days, but also to assist them in preparing the following accommodations for Muslim students:
For the month of Ramadan (November 17th - December 15th, 2001)
Lunch periods:
During Ramadan, many Muslim students observe the fast. Fasting is prescribed when children reach the age of puberty. Still, Muslim families allow their young children to experiment with fasting. Some schools show sensitivity to fasting Muslim students by providing an alternate lunchtime location in cases where lunch is a communal meal.
Physical Education (PE):
Some Muslim students may want to abstain from rigorous physical exercise in their P.E. classes during Ramadan. Teachers are requested to make alternate arrangements for Muslim students, if needed, especially regarding physical education assignments.
For Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha (December 16th & February 23rd)
Days Off:
These Muslim holidays are of similar importance and significance to Muslims as are Christmas and Easter to Christians and Hanukkah and Passover to Jews. Muslim students should be given excused absences to participate in the first day of Eid festivities. Teachers are requested not to schedule any important exams or assignments on these holidays so that Muslim students can avoid any adverse effects upon their academic efforts.
School/District Calendar:
Start of Hijri Year 1423: March 15, 2002
For further information, please contact Lee Ali at 212-725-7922 or lee@isbny.org
It would be appreciated if the dates for Ramadan and the two Eids could be included in your 2001-2002 and future school/district calendars. The dates of these holy days for the year 2002-2003 are as follows:
Ramadan: November 6, 2002 - December 5, 2002
Eid ul-Fitr: December 6, 2002
Eid ul-Adha: February 12, 2003