Wednesday 9 January:
Al-Hijira: Islamic New Year. Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina
Saturday 19 January:
Ashura: Islamic holy day observed on the 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram. Shi'ite Muslims regard it as a major festival marking the martydom of the Prophet's grandson, Hussein.
Thursday 20 March:
Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad): Shia Muslims celebrate this 5 days later. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation.
Tuesday 2 September:
Ramadan (start): Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting.
Wednesday 1 October:
Eid-Ul-Fitr: The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah for His help with their month-long act of self-control.
Monday 8 December:
Hajj (start): The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims should complete at least once in their lifetime.
Thursday 11 December:
Eid-Ul-Adha: Festival of Sacrifice marking the day after Arafat. The Day of Arafat is the most important day in the Hajj ritual. This is a four day holiday
Monday 29 December:
Al-Hijira: Islamic New Year. Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina
For information on what Muslims believe, read > Introduction to Islam
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