July 2010 | |
 8 July |
The Prophet's Night Journey and Ascension (Lailat-ul-Isra' Wal Mi'raj)In the tenth year of his prophethood, Prophet Muhammad journeyed from Makkah to Jerusalem and through the heavens to the presence of God, all in one night. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem marks the rock from which Muhammad ascended. On the journey the Prophet received the command to pray five times a day. More information at... |
 9 July |
Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the BabThis day remembers the death of the Bab, executed by firing squad at noon in Tabriz, Persia, on 9 July, 1850. Baha'is commemorate the day by gathering to read special prayers at noon. It is also a holy day of rest, when Baha'is should not work. More information at... |
 13 July |
Ratha Yatra - 'Chariot journey'This festival is most notably celebrated at Puri in Orissa, India, where thousands of people push huge wagons (rathas) with images of Krishna, known as 'Jagannath' (Lord of the Universe), from which the term 'juggernaut' comes in English. Ratha Yatra is celebrated by Hindus in Britain with processions through some cities. More information at... |
 15 July |
Chokhor (Chokor Duchen)A Tibetan and Nepalese summer festival that commemorates the Buddha's first Turning of the Wheel, the first teaching concerning the Four Truths. Statues of the Buddha and copies of the scriptures are carried around with music and festivities, to symbolise the spreading of the Buddha's teaching. The whole community joins in the processions and picnics that follow. More information at... |
 20 July |
Tisha B'AvTisha B'Av is the saddest day of the Jewish calendar. A full day fast is held at the conclusion of three weeks of mourning and reflection, focusing on the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem, and other tragedies in Jewish history. More information at... |
25 July |
Asalha Puja - Dhammacakka Day - Turning of the Wheel of TeachingThis is a Theravada Buddhist celebration of the First Proclamation by Gautama to five ascetics in the Deer Park near Benares. He taught about the Middle Way, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. More information at... |
26 July |
The Night of Forgiveness (Lailat-ul-Bara'h)The Night of Forgiveness (Lailat-ul-Bara'h) takes place two weeks before Ramadan. Muslims spend the night in prayer seeking God's guidance and forgiveness for their sins. Many Muslims believe that a person's destiny is fixed for the coming year by God, on this night. In some parts of the world Muslims visit the graves of relatives, and the giving of charity is also traditional. More information at... |
