All - Leep Calendar

Dhu al-Hijjah is the 12th and last month in the Islamic Calendar, the final of four sacred months, and the month of Hajj. Performing Hajj occurs between the 8th to 12/13th of the month and is one of Islam's five pillars or fundamental acts that define the faith. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that devout Muslims endeavor to do at least once in their lifetime. When performed during the first 8-12/13 days of the Islamic month of Duh al-Hijjah, it is called Hajj, and when practiced at other times of the year, it is called Umrah. The following is a general description of Hajj al-Tamatt'u, the most common pilgrimage. Each year during Hajj, millions of people from around the world descend on the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj. One of the first places visited is the black box, the Kaaba. Muslims walk around counterclockwise seven times, three separate times during the pilgrimage. The word for this encircling is "tawaf." The Kaaba marks where Muslims believe Adam and Eve built the first house of worship, and Abram (hereafter referred to as Abraham (Ibrahim)) rebuilt it thousands of years later. In the Muslim faith, they refer to this as "the first house of the only true God." It is the Kaaba that Muslims face when they pray. Muslims believe it was here that God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael.* The Kaaba is believed to be the same size as Abraham's original temple. Performing Hajj is a 5-6 day process and represents one of Islam's five pillars. FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Charity Testimony of faith Praying five times a day Fasting during the month of Ramadan Performing Hajj All acts of devotion during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are highly rewarded and blessed. Fasting on the 9th day is known as al Nisai and Abu Dawud. Fasting on this day removes one's sins for the next two years. How is Hajj performed? Day 1) Commences on the 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah Step 1) Muslims change from everyday wear to ceremonial clothing called "ihram" upon arriving. Often in the airports around Saudi Arabia, you will see pilgrims flying in traditional clothing before arrival. Step 2: Dressed in their ihram, pilgrims perform "tawaf," circling the Kaaba seven times (3 times running, four times walking) counterclockwise. Step 3) After performing the first tawaf, pilgrims walk between the two hills of Safa and Marwa several times to the town of Mina, where they spend the night. The hills are where Hagar ran back and forth seven times, looking for water for Ishmael, and God took pity and created a spring for her. Pilgrims replicate the running back and forth through this ritual called "masa." The spring Muslims believe God created for Hagar is called Zamzam. Mina, where the day's journey ends, is the location of the three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqaba, Jamrat al-Wusta & Jamrat al-Sughra), representing the three times the devil tempted Abraham. Day 2: Performed on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah Step 1) This day is about walking from Mina to Arafat, approximately 6 miles; it is called the "waqf," or day of vigil. Pilgrims stand from noon until sunset in Arafat as part of Hajj, and Arafat is where the prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon in 632 AD. Step 2) Leaving Arafat after nightfall, pilgrims walk to Muzdalifa, about 4 miles, and collect 49 stones along the way. They spend the night in Muzdalifa under the stars, and most pilgrims will fast on this day. Day 3: Eid al-Adha, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah Step 1) Pilgrims walk from Muzdalifa to Mina and throw stones at the devil represented by the largest of the three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqaba). Day three is a day of celebration. Step 2) Pilgrims continue walking to Mecca from Mina to perform the second tawaf, walking seven times around the Kaaba. Step 3) Then they walk again between the hills of Safa and Marwa, returning to Mina. Step 4) Animals are sacrificed. The meat is cooked and distributed to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to God and God's acceptance of a sheep instead. A vast feast follows, with large portions going to the poor. Unlike sacrifices in other faiths, in Islam, the gift of an animal's life is not done to please God. It is performed to remember Abraham's obedience and for charity. One sheep or goat equals one person, and a camel or cow's sacrifice equals seven people. Only those who can afford to make a sacrifice will do so, often paying for those without funds. Days 4-6: the 11th - 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah On each day of this final period (2 or 3 days), pilgrims return to the three pillars representing the devil and stone them in a specific order. This uses up the remaining stones of the 49 collected on the second day. On the final day of Hajj, pilgrims change clothes, replacing the "iharm" with their standard attire to perform their third and final tawaf around the Kaaba. Upon completing Hajj, Muslims may now refer to themselves as 'alhaji' (male) or 'alhaja' (female). Like confirmation in Christianity or Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Judaism, this is a title of accomplishment in the Islamic faith. _________ *NOTE: The son referenced in this story is an area where Islam, Judaism, and Christianity differ in scripture. Christians and Jews believe it was Isaac, the son of Abraham's first wife, Sara. Muslims believe it was Ishmael, the son of Sara's handmaid Hagar, Abraham's second wife. PLEASE NOTE: Islamic holidays are determined in Mecca by the position of the moon and can occur a day earlier or later than posted.

Africa

Jun

Hajj (M)(SA): June 14-19

06:20 AM | -

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that devout Muslims endeavor to do at least once in their lifetime. When performed during the first 8-12/13 days of the Islamic month of Duh al-Hijjah, it is called Hajj, and when practiced at other times of the year, it is called Umrah. The following is a general description of Hajj al-Tamatt'u, the most common pilgrimage. Each year during Hajj, millions of people from around the world descend on the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj. One of the first places visited is the black box, the Kaaba. Muslims walk around counterclockwise seven times, three separate times during the pilgrimage. The word for this encircling is "tawaf." The Kaaba marks where Muslims believe Adam and Eve built the first house of worship, and Abram (hereafter referred to as Abraham (Ibrahim)) rebuilt it thousands of years later. In the Muslim faith, they refer to this as "the first house of the only true God." It is the Kaaba that Muslims face when they pray. Muslims believe it was here that God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael.* The Kaaba is believed to be the same size as Abraham's original temple. Performing Hajj is a 5-6 day process representing one of Islam's five pillars. FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Charity. Testimony of faith. Praying five times a day. Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Performing Hajj. All acts of devotion during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are highly rewarded and blessed. Fasting on the 9th day is known as al Nisai and Abu Dawud. Fasting on this day removes one's sins for the next two years. How is Hajj performed? Day 1) Commences on the 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Step 1) Muslims change from everyday wear to ceremonial clothing called "ihram" upon arriving. Often in the airports around Saudi Arabia, you will see pilgrims flying in traditional clothing before arrival. Step 2: Dressed in their ihram, pilgrims perform "tawaf," circling the Kaaba seven times (3 times running, four times walking) counterclockwise. Step 3) After performing the first tawaf, pilgrims walk between the two hills of Safa and Marwa several times to the town of Mina, where they spend the night. The hills are where Hagar ran back and forth seven times, looking for water for Ishmael, and God took pity and created a spring for her. Pilgrims replicate the running back and forth through this ritual called "masa." The spring Muslims believe God created for Hagar is called Zamzam. Mina, where the day's journey ends, is the location of the three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqaba, Jamrat al-Wusta & Jamrat al-Sughra), representing the three times the devil tempted Abraham. Day 2: Performed on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Step 1) This day is about walking from Mina to Arafat, approximately 6 miles; it is called the "waqf," or day of vigil. Pilgrims stand from noon until sunset in Arafat as part of Hajj, and Arafat is where the prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon in 632 AD. Step 2) Leaving Arafat after nightfall, pilgrims walk to Muzdalifa, about 4 miles, and collect 49 stones along the way. They spend the night in Muzdalifa under the stars, and most pilgrims will fast on this day. Day 3: Eid al-Adha, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Step 1) Pilgrims walk from Muzdalifa to Mina and throw stones at the devil, represented by the largest of the three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqaba). Day three is a day of celebration. Step 2) Pilgrims walk to Mecca from Mina to perform the second tawaf, walking seven times around the Kaaba. Step 3) They walk again between the hills of Safa and Marwa, returning to Mina. Step 4) Animals are sacrificed. The meat is cooked and distributed to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to God and God's acceptance of a sheep instead. A vast feast follows, with large portions going to the poor. Unlike sacrifices in other faiths, in Islam, the gift of an animal's life is not done to please God. It is performed to remember Abraham's obedience and for charity. One sheep or goat equals one person, and a camel or cow's sacrifice equals seven people. Only those who can afford to make a sacrifice will do so, often paying for those without funds. Days 4-6: the 11th - 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah On each day of this final period (2 or 3 days), pilgrims return to the three pillars representing the devil and stone them in a specific order. This uses up the remaining stones of the 49 collected on the second day. On the final day of Hajj, pilgrims change clothes, replacing the "iharm" with their standard attire to perform their third and final tawaf around the Kaaba. Upon completing Hajj, Muslims may now refer to themselves as 'alhaji' (male) or 'alhaja' (female). Like confirmation in Christianity or Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Judaism, this is a title of accomplishment in the Islamic faith. _________ *NOTE: The son referenced in this story is an area where Islam, Judaism, and Christianity differ in scripture. Christians and Jews believe it was Isaac, the son of Abraham's first wife, Sara. Muslims believe it was Ishmael, the son of Sara's handmaid Hagar, Abraham's second wife. _________

Africa

Jun

Artigas Day (UY)(1764): June 19

06:20 AM | -

José Gervasio Artigas, the father of Uruguay's independence, was born on June 19. 1764. His birthday is celebrated as Artigas Day, a national holiday in Uruguay.

Africa

Jun

FreeBSD Day: June 19

06:20 AM | -

FreeBSD is an open-source operating system (as opposed to Windows or iOS) for computers, servers, and embedded systems. It works in millions of applications and programs people use every day, from video streaming to social media. It's used to develop new products by technology companies and ISPs for improved delivery and research by educational institutions and individuals. In 2017 FreeBSD Foundation launched an annual day commemorating this accessible technology source. FreeBSD was first released in November 1993 and originated from UC Berkley.

Africa

Jun

Garfield the Cat Day, Intl. (1978): June 19

06:20 AM | -

June 19th, 1978, Garfield the Cat came to life, thanks to his creator Jim Davis. The Garfield comic strip holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the most syndicated comic strip, appearing in over 2500 publications with over 17 million followers on Facebook. Image: Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, pictured with Odie the dog and Garfield the Cat. © Paws. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Africa

Jun

Juneteenth (1865): June 19

06:20 AM | -

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the United States. It is the day when the slaves of Galveston, Texas, finally learn of their release from slavery. A reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and the singing of traditional African American songs continue the public celebrations. Juneteenth is a national holiday in the United States.

Africa

Jun

Martini Day, Ntl.: June 19

06:20 AM | -

National Martini Day celebrates the iconic cocktail, the martini. In 1911 Martini di Arma di Taggia mixed a cocktail with gin, orange bitters, and vermouth, then garnished it with olives to create the iconic drink we know today.

Africa

Jun

Red Apple Day (AU): June 19 (est)

06:20 AM | -

A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored each June by Bowel Cancer Australia, is Red Apple Day. Australians are encouraged to support Bowel Cancer Australia's vital work by purchasing an Apple Pin and apple-themed fundraising events. Bowel Cancer kills ten Australians every day and is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer and the second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer in Australia. However, Bowel Cancer is one of the most curable cancers when found early. AN APPLE FOR THE DAY The 'apple pin' symbolizes our bowel cancer message. The outline of the apple logo appears as an abstract of a human colon. A worm causes a small hole in the apple. If detected early and removed, the worm cannot continue impacting the apple or the tree's health. It's the same with people. If bowel cancer is detected early, it can be treated successfully, and people can continue to enjoy life. Apples are also a nutritious source of dietary fiber.

Africa

Jun

Sauntering Day, World: June 19

06:20 AM | -

World Sauntering Day encourages people to stop and smell the roses, that is, slow the pace of life and enjoy it. It is believed that World Sauntering Day started in the Grand Hotel in Mackinac, Michigan, in 1979, the hotel with the longest porch in the world. W.T. Rabe created the event as a response to the increasing popularity of joggers in the area to encourage appreciation of the world around us by taking things slow. World Sauntering Day is currently unsponsored.

Africa

Jun

Sexual Violence in Conflict, Day for the Elimination of: June 19

06:20 AM | -

Rape of both men and women has been used as a weapon in war as long as war has existed. Each year the United Nations seeks to raise awareness of its use in combat and its devastating effects on its victims and promote accountability from its perpetrators. Today is the anniversary of the resolution's adoption. From the Resolution of June 19, 2015, adopted by the General Assembly: "Noting that civilians account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict, that women and girls are particularly targeted by the use of sexual violence, inter alia by terrorist and extremist groups, including as a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instill fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic or religious group, and that sexual violence perpetrated in this manner may in some instances persist after the cessation of hostilities, and recognizing that men and boys are also victims of sexual violence in conflict, Condemning in the strongest terms all sexual and other forms of violence committed against civilians in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, inter alia, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity, Recognizing the importance of providing timely assistance and increasing access to health care and other multi-sectoral services for survivors of sexual violence and of promoting their rehabilitation and non-stigmatization."

Africa

Jun

Sickle Cell Day, World: June 19

06:20 AM | -

World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated on June 19 of each year, is recognized globally, and was created by the United Nations by resolution. Sickle Cell is an inherited blood-based disorder affecting hemoglobin, the characteristic of blood that makes it red. Symptoms include anemia and extreme pain when red blood cells stick together and block blood flow and oxygen in small blood vessels. This event is separate from Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, observed in September in the United States.

Africa

Jun

Stock Exchange Holiday (NYSE Closed): June 19

06:20 AM | -

Stock Market Holidays are days on which the stock exchange is closed, and no trading occurs on this day.

Africa

Jun

Hermit Week, Ntl.: June 13-20

06:20 AM | -

Created in 1996, National Hermit Week is your excuse to cocoon and be alone if you want to be. Use the time for reflection, exploration, learning, or whatever you want. Hermit Week is 'me' time, and it's all about you!

Africa

Jun

Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers Week, Ntl.: June 13-20

06:20 AM | -

Nursing assistants play a key role in the lives of the people in their care; each nursing assistant is called to create an environment of caring for the resident or client and the worker as well. The nationwide observance of Nursing Assistant’s Week provides opportunities to recognize and validate the role of the nursing assistant in the health care system. Public recognition of nursing assistants provides a valuable service, not only for making nursing assistants more visible.

Africa

Jun

American Bald Eagle Day (1782): June 20

06:20 AM | -

The American Bald Eagle became part of the official symbol of the United States on June 20, 1782. The design was collaborative, with input from multiple individuals and committees. In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson to create a design for the Great Seal. They each proposed ideas and consulted with artists without success. In 1782, a new committee was formed, including Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, and William Barton, an artist and heraldry expert. Thomson incorporated elements from the previous proposals and worked closely with Barton to finalize the design. On June 20, 1782, the design for the Great Seal was approved by the Continental Congress. While no individual is credited with the ultimate design, the final artwork resulted from Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Thomson, and Barton's contributions. Today it is one of the most recognized seals in history. In celebration, Americans are encouraged to sponsor a bald eagle and help rehabilitate its natural habitat. President Ronald Reagan decreed American Bald Eagle Day on January 28, 1982.

Africa