Islamic Holidays and Festivals

Islamic holidays and festivals are celebrated by China’s Muslim communities, particularly among the Hui, Uyghur, Kazakh, and other Muslim ethnic groups. Here are the main Islamic holidays observed in China:

1. Eid al-Fitr (开斋节)
When: Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It usually falls on the first day of Shawwal (the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar).
Celebration: Muslims gather in mosques for special prayers and sermons. Families prepare large feasts, share sweets, and give charity to the poor. It’s a day for wearing new clothes, visiting friends and relatives, and celebrating with the community.
2. Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节 or 宰牲节)
When: Falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Celebration: Also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims in China celebrate by performing prayers at mosques, sacrificing animals (such as sheep or cows), and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the needy.
3. Mawlid al-Nabi (圣纪节)
When: Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, usually on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
Celebration: Depending on the region, it may include mosque gatherings, recitations of Islamic texts, and special sermons. In some communities, processions are held, and food is shared with family and friends.
4. Islamic New Year (伊斯兰新年)
When: Falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Celebration: It is generally a quiet day of reflection, with many Muslims attending mosque services and prayers to mark the beginning of a new year.
5. Ashura (阿舒拉节)
When: Observed on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Significance: For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and his followers were saved from Pharaoh by God. For Shia Muslims, it commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.
Celebration: In some regions, Muslims fast on this day or engage in charitable activities.
6. Lailat al-Qadr (夜间功德节)
When: Also known as the “Night of Power,” it occurs during the last 10 days of Ramadan, with the 27th night being most commonly observed.
Celebration: Muslims believe that this night marks the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. It is considered a night of prayer, reflection, and seeking blessings.
Regional Observances
In China, Islamic holidays often vary slightly by region. For example, the Uyghur and Kazakh Muslims in Xinjiang may observe these holidays with their own unique cultural customs, while Hui Muslims in cities like Xi’an or Yinchuan may have different traditions.

These holidays are celebrated in Muslim-majority areas like Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Gansu, as well as in large cities with significant Muslim populations such as Beijing, Xi’an, and Guangzhou.