National state celebrations are a modern phenomenon, associated mainly with the rise of the eighteenth-century Western concept of a nation-state. With the formation of Arab states in the Middle East in the aftermath of World War I, largely as a result of Western machinations, their rulers began celebrating their existence. It was only natural that these celebrations followed Western models, particularly the British and French – the two primary colonial powers in the Middle East. But did the new Arab celebrations incorporate Islamic tradition as well? To answer this, it is necessary to explore the pre-state period. Thus, this chapter attempts to portray the nature of celebrations and ceremonies emerging in Islamic–Arab polities.

ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

The term ‘id is an Aramaic loanword, meaning “festival” or “holiday.” It is also connected with an Arabic term, signifying “the (periodically) returning.” In contemporary Arab usage, this term has denoted various state celebrations and holidays. In Arab–Islamic territories, it referred to religious holidays or festivals. The most important is ‘Id al-Adkha (the Sacrificial Festival, also known as al-‘Id al-Kabir, the Major Festival), celebrated for three or four days from 10 Dhu al-Hijja, according to the lunar hijri calendar. Commemorating Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for Allah, the day also marks the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). It is associated with certain traditions and rituals, such as the sacrifice of animals (symbolizing Ibrahim's sacrifice), prayers in mosques, religious sermons, donations of alms, food and clothes to the poor, the distribution of sweets and visits to relatives.