Islamic holidays

[citation needed] There are a number of other days of note as well as festivals, some common to all Muslims, others specific to Shia Islam or branches thereof.

Muslims may perform an act of zakat and friendship by slaughtering a sheep or cow and distributing the meat to family, friends, and the poor.

[1] Muslims celebrate when they believe the Quran was first revealed to Muhammed by fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

[2] Fasting is considered a purifying experience so that Muslims can gain compassion and deepen their faith in God.

[citation needed] The Islamic calendar is based on the synodic period of the Moon's revolution around the Earth, approximately 291⁄2 days.