APRIL RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

April is an important month for those practicing many of the world’s major religions. Muslims, Jews, and Christians all celebrate important holidays.

The Holy Month of Ramadan

March 22 ushered in the beginning of Ramadan, which marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the holiest time of the year for Muslims. This period of 29–30 days from the sighting of one crescent moon to the next, is a time of prayer, spiritual reflection, growth, charity, and family. It honors when Allah sent an angel to the prophet Muhammad to reveal the Quran, the Islamic holy book, in 610 AD. This revelation is known as the “night of power.”

During this month, able Muslims are required to fast from dawn to sunset, as fasting is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. It is an act of worship and allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith, practice patience, and come closer to Allah, or God. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which begins when the new moon is first seen in the sky. In 2023, it is expected to fall between April 21 to 22. The Eid a-Fitr festival gives thanks to Allah and celebrates the breaking of the fast.

The Eight Days of Passover

The celebration of Passover, one of the most sacred Jewish holidays, began at sundown on April 5. It falls on the first full moon in the Hebrew calendar month and commemorates the biblical story of Exodus and the Israelites’ departure from Ancient Egypt. According to the Hebrew bible, Moses received a commandment from God to return to Egypt and free the Israelites from slavery. Moses asked the Pharaoh for a threeday leave for the Israelites so they could celebrate a feast. When he refused, God unleashed 10 plagues on the Egyptians, culminating in the death of all firstborn sons. Because God instructed Moses and his followers to mark their doors, this plague passed over the Jewish households. Fearing further repercussions, the Egyptians convinced the Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.

On the first two nights of Passover, Jewish families gather for a special meal called the Seder and recount the history of Israel and their freedom from slavery. During Passover, practicing Jews refrain from eating leavened food. This practice commemorates how the ancient Israelites left Egypt in such haste that they did not have time for their bread to rise. Passover conveys five major concepts for leading a successful life—memory, optimism, faith, family, and empathy. Jewish people are charged with inwardly reflecting about the importance of the responsibility of freedom.

Easter

Easter, one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, was celebrated on April 9. It is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox (March 21). Christians believe Jesus died on Good Friday when he was crucified by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. Easter marks the day when Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days following his burial. Christians believe that the sins of humanity were paid for by the death of God’s only son, Jesus, and that his resurrection represents the anticipation believers can have in their own resurrection.

Many Christians celebrate Easter with music, flowers, candlelight, and special church services or Easter processions. They view it as the greatest feast of the church year and often share a meal with family in celebration. Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, fasting, and service. Many Christians give up a comfort or adopt a spiritual practice during Lent that leads to self-examination, repentance from sin, and way to pay homage to the sacrifice that Jesus made. ●