Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha Explained: Your First Eid

Islam has two main festivals each year, and each comes right after a great act of worship. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha comes during the days of Hajj. Both are days of prayer, gratitude, good food, new clothes and time with people you love.

If this is your first Eid, here is what to expect.

The two Eids at a glance

• Eid al-Fitr ("the festival of breaking the fast") falls on the 1st of Shawwal, the day after Ramadan ends.
• Eid al-Adha ("the festival of sacrifice") falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the day after the pilgrims stand at Arafah. It remembers the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, both move about 11 days earlier each year in the Western calendar. Communities sometimes celebrate on different days depending on moon sighting — follow your local mosque.

Eid al-Fitr: thanks for Ramadan

The Qur'an connects the end of Ramadan with glorifying Allah and giving thanks:

Al-Baqarah 2:185

Zakat al-Fitr

Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim who is able gives zakat al-fitr (also called fitrana) on behalf of themselves and their dependants. It is a small charity — traditionally a measure of staple food — so that poor people can celebrate too. Many mosques and charities collect it as a set amount of money; ask your local mosque for this year's figure. See Zakat Explained.

Eid al-Adha: the festival of sacrifice

Eid al-Adha remembers Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah, and Allah's mercy in providing a ram instead. Those who can afford it offer an animal sacrifice (udhiyah or qurbani) — a sheep or goat, or a share in a cow or camel — and share the meat with family, friends and people in need.

Al-Hajj 22:37

In many countries, people pay a charity or a trusted butcher to carry out the sacrifice on their behalf. Scholars differ on whether the sacrifice is strongly recommended or obligatory for those who can afford it; practice varies, so ask your local mosque.

The day before Eid al-Adha is the Day of Arafah. Fasting it is highly recommended for those not on Hajj.

The Eid prayer

The Eid prayer is held in the morning, after sunrise. It is usually prayed in a large congregation — in a mosque, a park or a hall — and often has a festive feel. It is two units (rak'ahs) prayed behind an imam, with a few extra Allahu akbars at the start of each unit. The number and placing of these extra takbirs differ between schools of thought, so just follow the imam.

A sermon (khutbah) usually follows the prayer. There is no call to prayer (adhan) for Eid. Women, men and children are all encouraged to attend.

If you're nervous, go with a Muslim friend and stand next to them. Nobody expects you to know everything.

Sunnahs of the day

• Take a full shower (ghusl) and wear your best clothes.
• Eat before the prayer on Eid al-Fitr — the Prophet ﷺ would eat a few dates, an odd number. On Eid al-Adha, it is sunnah to wait and eat after the prayer.
• Say the Eid takbir on the way: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
• Go by one route and return by another, as the Prophet ﷺ did.
• Visit family and friends, give gifts and be generous with children.

Fasting on either Eid day is not allowed — it is a day to eat and celebrate.

What to say

"Eid Mubarak" ("blessed Eid") is the most common greeting worldwide. The companions used to say "Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum" — "may Allah accept from us and from you." Either is lovely.

Eid as a new Muslim

Eid can bring mixed feelings if your family isn't Muslim or you don't yet have a community. A few ideas:

• Ask a mosque about Eid events or "Eid for new Muslims" gatherings — many hold them.
• Accept invitations from Muslim friends; families are often delighted to host.
• Share it with your family — bring sweets, explain what the day means, invite them to a meal.
• Make your own tradition: a special breakfast, a gift for yourself, a call to someone who is also alone.

For handling other holidays with family, see Christmas, Thanksgiving and Family Holidays.

How AskDeen can help

AskDeen's Islamic calendar counts down to both Eids and to the start of Ramadan, so you can prepare in good time. Need the words of the Eid takbir? Ask AskDeen and get them in Arabic, transliteration and meaning.

Have a question like "How much is zakat al-fitr?" or "Can I pray Eid at home?" Just ask AskDeen and get a clear answer with the Qur'an and hadith behind it. Eid Mubarak — may it be the first of many.