The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno commemorates and celebrates various Islamic Holidays and events. Please refer to our monthly calendar for more information about what events are being commemorated. The list below is organized based on the Islamic Hijri Calendar.
The Muslim New Year that starts in Muharram brings two significant events in Islamic history that are commemorated by many Muslims around the world — the establishment of the first Muslim community and the sacrifice of Imam al-Husayn.
The first is the Hijra, or the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, along with his community from Mecca to Medina to establish the first and exemplary Islamic state. The Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The Prophet Muhammad’s leadership provides Muslims with the foundational principles of social and political interactions with non-Muslims along with the means by which to enhance an Islamic identity in a pluralistic society.
The Hijra is acknowledged during the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram. Additionally, during the first ten days of Muharram, millions of Muslims commemorate the sacrifice of Imam al-Husayn, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was a great leader in the early years of Islamic history. Imam al-Husayn exemplified Islam’s unwavering stand for human rights and opposing tyranny. The tenth day of Muharram is called Ashura, which commemorates the day of the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a).
1- Muharram محرّم
2- Safar صفر
3- Rabi’ al-Awwal (Rabi’ I) ربيع الأول
4- Rabi’ al-Thani (or Rabī’ al-Akhir) ربيع الآخر أو ربيع الثاني
5- Jumada al-Awwal (Jumādā I) جمادى الاولى
6- Jumada al-Thani (or Jumādā al-Akhir) جمادى الآخر أو جمادى الثاني
7- Rajab رجب
8- Sha’ban شعبان
9- Ramadan رمضان
This entire month of Ramadan is special and features several activities. Many nights of Iftar or Breaking-the-Fast are organized. Here are some major events;
10- Shawwal شوّال
11- Dhu al-Qi’dah ذو القعدة
12- Dhu al-Hijjah ذو الحجة
NOTE: The Islamic Center celebrates only Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha on the same day of Eid. The rest of the holidays or events may be celebrated or commemorated at a different day during that week. Refer to the ICCF Monthly Calendar for more details.
Ashura, is the 10th day of the month of Muharram, which is the first month in the Hijri Calendar. In Islamic history, Ashura, which took place on the 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H. (Oct. 10, 680), is a solemn day when Muslims commemorate the death of Imam al-Husayn (a), the third Imam and grandson of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Muslims hold various forms of public and private events to mourn the martyrdom of and to connect with the suffering and death of Imam al-Husayn. His martyrdom is widely interpreted as a symbol of the struggle against injustice, tyranny, and oppression.
On the night and day of Ashura, Muslims visit the tomb of Imam al-Husayn in Karbala, Iraq. In many communities spread around the globe, the mood is solemn with extensive rituals, mourning processions and speeches which culminate in performances re-enacting the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn.
Imam Husayn, c.626–680, third Imam in Shi’a tradition; son of Imam Ali & Fatima, daughter of Prophet Muhammad. With the assassination of Imam Ali in 661 and the death of Imam al-Hasan in 50 AH, the caliphate passed out of Imam Ali’s family.
After the death of the Umayyad Caliph Mu'awiya, his son Yazid assumed the leadership and requested allegiance from Imam al-Husayn. Instead of clashing with Yazid in Madina, Imam Husayn migrated to Iraq but was surrounded by the army of Yazid outside of Kufa. Imam al-Husayn led an insurrection of 72 members whom were all killed on the 10th of Muharram in 61 A.H. (Oct. 10, 680), in Karbala.
Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno commemorate the annual tragedy of Ashura by holding various memorial events that tells the stories of the sacrifice of Imam al-Husayn, his courageous leadership and his devotion to the preservation of Islam.
Commemoration events extends over a period of 40 days in which the Qur’an is read and reflected upon, stories are told about the leadership of his sister Lady Zaynab, especially her courageous stand in the court of Yazid after the death of Imam al-Husayn.