Eid is a very special holiday for all Muslims in the world. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this holiday.
What is Eid and why is it celebrated? The simple answer to that question is that Eid means feast or festival. Every year Muslims celebrate both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr takes place at the end of Ramadan and translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast”. It is celebrated because Eid marks the end of a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, as well as spiritual reflection and prayer. It is also believed that the day of Eid is the day of reward from their God (Allah) for the long thirty days of fasting and good deeds. The day starts with prayers and a big meal is usually the main event. Millions of people all over the world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
What do Muslims do on Eid? Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers. During these celebrations, people greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning Blessed Eid, and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and those in need. It is considered a day of relaxation, meaning no work or school. Time is spent greeting one another, giving and receiving presents, and visiting the graves of relatives.
A dish enjoyed on Eid called Biryani.
A dessert called Gulab Jammun from the Pakistani culture.
Temple Mount is the third holiest site for Muslims after Mecca and Medina.
Mecca is the capital of Mecca Province in western Saudi Arabia and the holiest city in Islam.
The Quran is the sacred text of Islam.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the next crescent moon, which signals the beginning of Eid al Fitr.
What is the difference between Eid al Fitr, and Eid al Adha? As shared, Eid al-Fitr takes place at the end of Ramadan and translates to “the festival of the breaking of the fast”. Like Ramadan, it starts with the first sighting of the new moon. Whereas, Eid al-Adha which means “feast of the sacrifice” is celebrated just over two months after Eid al-Fitr and lasts for three days. Like Ramadan, it starts with the first sighting of the new moon. Eid al-Adha commemorates the Quranic tale of Prophet Abrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. But God sent a sheep from heaven instead. Therefore, Muslims all around the world sacrifice sheep, camels, goats, cows, etc to honor this great historic event. For nearly 4 million Muslims in the U.S. and many more around the world, Eid al-Adha marks one of the most important days of the year.
I hope you found this Islamic holiday interesting. If you have any questions, Please email me (Asma Ansari). Thank you.
Haileigh Prill • Jan 19, 2024 at 9:24 pm
What a great article, I never knew about this holiday
Aarush Parikh • Dec 21, 2023 at 4:31 pm
Great job! I’ve heard about Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but never knew what they were until now. Eid seems like a great holiday!