Anas ( ) reported that upon arriving in al-Madeenah, the Prophet 
found its people celebrating two days1 whose significance was held
over from the Jaahiliyyah2. The Prophet said:
When I came upon you, you had two days that you continued to
celebrate from the Jaahiliyyah; indeed Allaah has substituted them for
you with what is better: the day of Sacrifice and the day of Fitr
(breaking the fast).3
Shaykh Ahmad `Abdurrahmaan al-Bannaa said:
"(They are better because,) the day of Sacrifice and that of Fir are
legislated by Allaah (SWT), and are His choice for His creatures. They
follow the completion of two of the greatest pillars of Islaam, Hajj
(pilgrimage) and fasting. On these days, Allaah (SWT) forgives those who
performed Hajj and who fasted, and He sheds mercy on all of His
obedient creatures.
On the other hand, the days of Nayrooz and Mihrajaan were devised by
the people of those times, because of good weather or other passing
qualities.
The difference between the two cases is apparent for whomever ponders
upon this."4
- According to some scholars, the two days were the day of Nayrooz and the day of Mihrajaan (two Persian holidays). See `Awn ul-Ma`bood by al-`Azeemaabaaddee. - Back to text
- Jaahiliyyah: The state of ignorance and disbelief prevalent in Arabia before Islaam. - Back to text
- Ahmad, Abu Dawood, and others; authentic. - Back to text
- Al-Fath ur-Rabbaanee. - Back to text
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