Changes to Islamic Festivals & Fasts (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Changes in religious practices for Islamic festivals and fasts

Changes in the way fasts are observed

• In the modern world, some traditional Islamic religious practices, especially regarding fasting and festivals, have adapted due to changes in society, technology and lifestyles

• Fasting remains widely observed, but how it is practised can vary

  • In some communities, the fast is less strictly observed, especially among younger Muslims or in secular societies

  • Some Muslims focus more on giving up distractions (such as music or social media) instead of, or alongside, food-related fasting

  • Some may adapt the way they fast to suit their lifestyle

    • For example, they may not fast every day but instead focus on weekends or selected days when they have more time for spiritual reflection

• Attending the mosque or community events during Ramadan can be difficult in some places

  • It can be hard in countries that are not Muslim-majority countries to find time to visit the mosque as often as the believer would like

  • This may be due to work–life balance pressures, the distance from local mosques or concerns about safety or accessibility

Changes in the way festivals are observed

• Islamic festivals such as ‘Id al-Fitr and ‘Id al-Adha are also observed in new or adapted ways

• Celebrations may be smaller or more family-based

  • Instead of large public gatherings, many families now celebrate at home or with close relatives

  • This may be in part because habits changed during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Traditional rituals may be adapted

  • ‘Id prayers might be celebrated in non-traditional venues, such as community centres or local parks

  • Qurbani (sacrifice) at ‘Id al-Adha may be arranged online, with donations made to charities instead of physical animal slaughter

• Digital tools can be used to help Muslims observe the traditions of the festivals

  • Online khutbahs (sermons), virtual iftar events, live-streamed prayer and apps to remind Muslims of prayer times have become common

  • There are many young Muslim influencers on social media platforms who share religious content and blend it with lifestyle content to help people engage with Ramadan or ‘Id in new ways

• The nature of festival celebrations can take on a more cultural or social emphasis

  • Events such as ‘Id al-Fitr are sometimes seen more as family holidays than purely religious occasions, in the same way that Christmas has become a cultural event for people who are not Christian

  • ‘Id fairs, community fun days and social events may have less emphasis on formal worship and more on food, dress and socializing

How Muslims with different beliefs view the changes

• Muslims have different views about changes in how fasting and festivals are observed in the modern world

  • These views often reflect differences in religious interpretation, community values and personal priorities

• In Muslim-majority countries, traditional forms of fasting and celebration may still be widely practised due to social and cultural norms

• In secular societies, Muslims find it necessary to adapt the way they observe fasting and festivals and may have to find new ways to practise their faith

  • These changes can be seen either as practical solutions or, by some people, as signs of the dilution of the faith

• Traditional or Conservative Muslims may be concerned that modern changes weaken religious discipline and commitment

• For example, giving up social media instead of food during Ramadan may be seen as missing the true spiritual test of fasting

• They would prefer full observance of rituals — including fasting every day of Ramadan or physically carrying out Qurbani (sacrifice), rather than organising it online

• They may feel that smaller, home-based or culturally influenced ‘Id celebrations are less meaningful than communal prayer and worship

• They may think that technological tools (such as prayer apps or virtual events) are helpful only if they support traditional practices and do not replace them

• Progressive or Liberal Muslims often accept and embrace modern ways of observing religious duties 

  • They may argue that faith should be adaptable to the challenges of modern life, especially when trying to balance work and worship in non-Muslim countries

• Using online sermons or prayer reminders can help busy Muslims maintain their faith

• For them, it does not matter if methods change, as long as the intention (niyyah) behind the practice is sincere

• Some see giving up distractions such as social media or bad habits during Ramadan as a valid modern form of spiritual discipline

• Celebrating ‘Id in more cultural or social ways can be seen as a way to share Islamic identity with others, especially in multicultural societies

• Younger Muslims may feel more connected to their faith through digital and creative forms of observance

  • Following Muslim influencers, attending online talks or joining social media challenges during Ramadan can help them stay engaged

  • However, some young people also express concern that festivals such as ‘Id are losing their spiritual depth and becoming too focused on parties, clothes and food