Some facts about Easter as Christian faithful mark the holiday

Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary.

It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.

The date of Easter, when the resurrection of Jesus is said to have taken place, changes from year to year.

The reason for this variation is that Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

Easter is quite similar to other major holidays like Christmas and Halloween, which have evolved over the last 200 years or so. In all of these holidays, unfortunately, Christian and non-religious elements have continued to blend together.

Most major holidays have some connection to the changing of seasons. This is especially obvious in the case of Christmas. The New Testament gives no information about what time of year Jesus was born.

Many scholars believe, however, that the main reason Jesus’ birth came to be celebrated on December 25 is because that was the date of the winter solstice according to the Roman calendar.

Islamic view on Jesus' crucifixion and death

Islam requires all Muslims to believe in Prophet Jesus – who is called Isa in Arabic. Followers of the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are obliged to pay due respect to Jesus and accept his message and what he stood for.

In the Holy Qur’an, stories about the life and teachings of Jesus are abundant, with verses about his miraculous birth, the miracles he performed by God’s permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God.

The Biblical account of the crucifixion and death of Jesus recorded in the Christian New Testament is rejected by most Muslims.

Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was bodily raised up to heaven by God and will return with the 12th Imam, The Mahdi, at the end of times to rid the world of evil and injustice.

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