All Islamic Holidays and Observances in 2021
February 2021
- 13Sat
Start of Rajab (Sacred Month)
Rajab is one of the four sacred months. Its first day opens the season of Rajab, Sha'ban and Ramadan.
March 2021
- 11Thu
Isra and Mi'raj
The 27th of Rajab is widely observed as the night of the Isra and Mi'raj, the Prophet's ﷺ night journey to Jerusalem and ascension, when the five daily prayers were prescribed. The night begins at sunset on the evening before.
- 28Sun
Mid-Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah)
The night of 15 Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah, Shab-e-Barat) is observed by many Muslims with prayer and seeking forgiveness. The night begins at sunset on the evening of the 14th.
April 2021
- 13Tue
First Day of Ramadan
The first fast of Ramadan. The first Tarawih prayer is held the night before, after the crescent is sighted or the month is announced, and the first suhoor is eaten before dawn.
- 29Thu
Battle of Badr Anniversary
The Battle of Badr, the first major battle of Islam, was fought on 17 Ramadan 2 AH. The Quran calls it the Day of the Criterion (Yawm al-Furqan).
May 2021
- 3Mon
Last Ten Days of Ramadan Begin
The last ten nights of Ramadan begin on the night of the 21st. They include Laylat al-Qadr, and many Muslims spend them in i'tikaf.
- 9Sun
Laylat al-Qadr (27th Night)
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3). It is sought in the odd nights of the last ten; the 27th night, beginning at sunset on the evening of the 26th, is the most widely observed.
- 12Wed
Last Day of Ramadan
The last fasting day of Ramadan. If the Shawwal crescent is sighted that evening, Eid al-Fitr begins the next morning.
- 13Thu
Eid al-Fitr(holiday)
The Festival of Breaking the Fast begins on 1 Shawwal with the Eid prayer. Zakat al-Fitr is paid before the prayer, and it is a public holiday of one to three days or more in most Muslim countries.
July 2021
- 11Sun
First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah Begin
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year for good deeds (Sahih al-Bukhari). Those planning to offer a sacrifice traditionally stop cutting their hair and nails until it is made.
- 18Sun
Day of Tarwiyah (Hajj Begins)
The 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Day of Tarwiyah, when pilgrims go to Mina and the rites of Hajj begin.
- 19Mon
Day of Arafah
The 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the greatest day of Hajj, when pilgrims stand at Arafat. Muslims who are not on pilgrimage are encouraged to fast it.
- 20Tue
Eid al-Adha(holiday)
The Festival of Sacrifice begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah with the Eid prayer, followed by the sacrifice (qurbani or udhiyah). The 11th to 13th are the Days of Tashreeq.
August 2021
- 9Mon
Islamic New Year(holiday)
The first day of Muharram begins the new Hijri year. It is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries and a time to reflect on the Hijra of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.
- 18Wed
Day of Ashura
The 10th of Muharram. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day, the day Allah saved Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh, and recommended fasting the 9th or 11th with it. Shia Muslims also mourn the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala.
October 2021
- 18Mon
Mawlid al-Nabi(holiday)
The 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, the most widely cited date of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ birth. Many Muslims gather to recite poetry and learn about his life; observance differs between communities.
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar used in Saudi Arabia. Where a month begins with a local sighting of the new crescent, a date can fall one day later; public holiday lengths also differ from country to country.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, First Day of Ramadan falls on Tuesday 13 April 2021 (1 Ramadan 1442 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Eid al-Fitr falls on Thursday – Saturday 13–15 May 2021 (1–3 Shawwal 1442 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on Tuesday – Friday 20–23 July 2021 (10–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1442 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Islamic New Year falls on Monday 9 August 2021 (1 Muharram 1443 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.