Laylat al-Qadr (Arabic: لیلة القدر) (also known as Shab-e-Qadr in Persian), literally the "Night of Decree" or "Night of Measures", is the anniversary of two very important dates in Islam that occurred in the month of Ramadan.^{[citation needed]} Muslims believe that it was the night of the Laylat al-Qadr that the Quran's first verse was revealed. The exact night of the Laylat al-Qadr is only known to God and Muhammed but he chose to keep it to himself so that Muslims won't pray only that night. That is why Muhammad indicated that it was one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan.

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, as per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast, a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (‘Zakat al-Fitr’), everyone puts on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two rakaahs only, and it is an optional prayer as opposed to the compulsory 5 daily prayers. According to one current school of thought (Ankaboot), it is suggested that North American Muslims arrange their work-schedule for Eid by requesting the two most likely days of Eid as Holidays or simply as days off from work. This allows for quality family time, and is akin to the Christian/North American tradition of taking Christmas and Christmas eve off as holidays. This also allows for time off to celebrate the Eid prayer at a mosque and with family. The fast always ends after 29 or 30 days of fasting, and thus the request would be for the 29th and 30th day after the start of the fast.

Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan that begins after Eid ul-Fitr; these days need not be consecutive.^[1] According to hadith, one who fasts the month of Ramadan and six days during Shawwal will be rewarded as though he fasted the entire year.^[2]

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References

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External links

• Everything to know about Ramadan. Comprehensive website about Ramadan. Articles, audio, video, children games, downloads and much more.
• Observing Ramadan in Morroco. The experience of a Canadian English Teacher during the Holy Month - Compiled by Glimpse Magazine
• www.FastRamadan.com The Muslims Holy Month of Fasting - Official Website.
• Ramadan Mubarak - The Holy Month of Islam — Special Report
• The Islamic "Yom Kippur" - article about the connection between Judaism and Ramadan.

v • d • e Muslim holidays and observances Islamic New Year | Day of Ashura | Imamat Day | Arba'een | Mawlid | Imam Musa al Kazim day | Lailat al Miraj | Shab-e-baraat | Ramadan | Laylat al-Qadr | Eid ul-Fitr | Eid ul-Adha

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