Ayyám-i-Há
Ayyám-i-Há | |
---|---|
Observed by | Bahá'í Faith |
Type | Religious |
Significance | Intercalary days for hospitality, charity, and preparation for the Bahá'í Fast |
Date | February 26 – March 1 |
Frequency | annual |
Ayyám-i-Há (Arabic: أيام الهاء) are days of celebration, hospitality, charity, and gift-giving in the Bahá'í Faith. These days are intercalary days inserted into the Bahá'í calendar to adjust the calendar year to the solar year. Ayyám-i-Há is celebrated from February 26 to March 1, inclusive, and is followed by the Bahá'í Fast.
Significance[edit | edit source]
Ayyám-i-Há, also known as the "Days of Há," are a time for Bahá'ís to engage in acts of hospitality, charity, and service. The name "Há" is a reference to the Arabic letter "ه", which has a numerical value of five, symbolizing the five days of Ayyám-i-Há in most years. These days are a time for Bahá'ís to prepare spiritually for the upcoming Fast, which lasts from March 2 to March 20.
The intercalary days are a unique feature of the Bahá'í calendar, which consists of 19 months of 19 days each, totaling 361 days. To align the calendar with the solar year, four or five intercalary days are added, depending on whether it is a leap year.
Observances[edit | edit source]
During Ayyám-i-Há, Bahá'ís are encouraged to:
- Engage in acts of charity and service to others.
- Spend time with family and friends, fostering a spirit of love and unity.
- Give gifts as a token of love and appreciation.
- Reflect on their spiritual journey and prepare for the Fast.
These days are often marked by community gatherings, social events, and special prayers. Bahá'ís may also use this time to reach out to those in need and to strengthen bonds within their communities.
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
The concept of intercalary days was established by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the central book of Bahá'í law. Bahá'u'lláh emphasized the importance of these days for spiritual preparation and community building.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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