2011 Islamic Calendar Dates 

1st August: Ramadan 2011 Begins

Ramadan is considered to be the holiest month in the Islamic Calendar, where Muslims fast and increase in their spiritual activities and good deeds.

Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

30th August: Eid-Ul Fitr

Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. 

5th November: Day of Arafah

The 9th day of the month Dhul Hijjah where those performing Hajj gather at Arafah in worship- one of the 3 crucial points during the Hajj journey.

The Day of Arafah is one of the days when supplications (du`a) are more likely to be accepted. [Ibn al-Haajj,al-Madhkhal; Saffarini, Ghidha’ al-Albab]

6th November: Eid-Ul Adha

Known as the 'Greater' of the two Eid's, Eid-Ul Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's (as) willingness to sacrifice his only child, Ismael (as) for the sake of the Almighty Allah (swt).  Allah (swt) showed mercy to Ibrahim (as) and replaced Ismael (as) with a Ram.  Therefore Muslims across the world remember this day by performing Qurbani (slaughtering of an animal) and distributing the meat between friends, relatives and the poor. 

5th December: Ashura

Literally translated as the 10th Day of the month Muharram.  It is Reported in Sahih Bukhari: When Allah's Messenger (saw) came to Madina, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura.  He said 'What is this?' They said 'This is the day when Allah saved Musa from drowning, so we fast this day'.'  Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) said ' We have more right to Musa than you' So he (saw) fasted on this day and advised the Muslims to do the same.

Abu Qatada (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]