Friday Facts: Upcoming Islamic Holidays
Posted on Friday, August 9th, 2019
This weekend there are two important Islamic holidays, so I thought I’d share a bit about them and workplace accommodation. Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar and observances may vary by a day before or after from dates given, depending on the community.
Saturday August 10th – Day of Hajj
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca and is associated with the life of Islamic prophet Muhammad. During the preceding week, thousands of Muslims travel to Mecca (a holy monument in Saudi Arabia) in order to undertake a series of rituals. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be undertaken at least once in their lives, for all those fit and able.
It is not uncommon for managers to receive a request for time off for an employee to complete the Hajj. An employee may request time to complete the Hajj more than once as many men will accompany female relatives on their pilgrimage. Here at Algonquin we have policy HR16 which includes direction in section 2.2 for requests for religious leave.
Sunday August 11th – Eid-ul-Adha
Eid ul-Adha is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar, with Muslims across the world celebrating the major event. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. Eid ul-Adha is a celebration which involves heavy feasting. One part of the meal will be shared with the poor, another with friends and neighbours, and the final piece with the family that made it. This Eid is different from Eid-ul-Fitr which signifies the end of Ramadan, a time of fasting.
If you would like to acknowledge your colleagues who are celebrating you will find that kind words in any language are welcome, or you can wish them Eid Mubarak (this translates as “blessed Eid”).
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