Aside from Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, there are no holidays in the Muslim religion that are celebrated by the entire Muslim community. It has, however, become tradition among certain groups to celebrate other holidays.

Mawlid an-Nabi

The Prophet Muhammad was reportedly born on the twelfth day of the month of Rabia Awal. He did not acknowledge his birthday during his lifetime, nor did any of his companions. However, many Muslims today use this day to honor and remember the life of the Prophet. This observance is known as Mawlid an-Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet). While this day is an official holiday in some Muslim countries, its observance is not universal among Muslims.

Those who do observe this holiday often spend the day reading biographies and telling stories of the Prophet Muhammad's life. They may recite special supplications to ask for God's mercy on the Prophet and his loved ones, and give away money to those in need.

Islamic New Year

The first month of the Islamic year is Muharram. The first day of each new year is not traditionally a time for celebration, just an acknowledgement that time has passed. Since the Islamic year is based on the Hijrah, some Muslims spend time remembering the migration of the early Muslim community to Madinah. Others simply use the time to reflect on the passing of time and on their own mortality.

Ashura

On the tenth day of Muharram, Muslims observe Ashura. This day is recognized differently by Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

In ancient times, the Jewish community around Madinah used to spend a day fasting, in remembrance of God's mercy when he parted the sea to allow Moses and his followers to escape from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad was aware of this custom and also used to fast during this time. He advised his followers to fast for two days (usually the ninth and tenth days of Muharram), and many Sunni Muslims still adhere to this optional practice.

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning. It was on this day in 680 C.E. that Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed at Karbala. Husayn's martyrdom serves as inspiration to Shia Muslims to resist against injustice. They observe the day by performing passion plays, making pilgrimages to shrines, and participating in public demonstrations of grief.