Understanding Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha

May 13, 2026

78 min

May 13, 2026 03:30

Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha explained: the meaning behind the two Eids

## The Meaning of Eid

The term "Eid" translates to "feast" or "festival" in Arabic, and Muslims celebrate two major Eids each year: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. These festivals follow the Islamic lunar calendar, causing their dates to shift annually.

## Eid Al Fitr: Celebrating the End of Ramadan

Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. It occurs on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, following the sighting of the new moon. The day begins with Muslims performing a ritual cleansing, donning new clothes, and attending special prayers at the mosque. Before these prayers, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation to help those in need partake in the celebrations. The day is filled with feasting, visiting loved ones, and exchanging gifts, typically lasting one to three days.

## Eid Al Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice

Eid Al Adha, known as the "Greater Eid," commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. This festival occurs on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. A key ritual is the Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal, with the meat distributed among family, relatives, and the needy. Eid Al Adha spans three days and is considered more significant than Eid Al Fitr.

## Common Values

Both Eids emphasize faith, community, and charity. They involve communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of giving, reflecting Islam's balance between personal devotion and social responsibility.

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