A Celebration of Faith, Gratitude, and Community
"Eid" in Arabic means "feast" or "festival." In Islam, there are two major Eid festivals celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. Both are joyous occasions for prayer, feasting, charity, and spending time with loved ones, but they commemorate different spiritual events.
Both Eids begin with a special congregational prayer in the morning, where communities gather to thank Allah (God).
A strong emphasis is placed on sharing with others, especially the poor and needy, ensuring everyone can partake in the celebration.
Eid is a time for family reunions, visiting relatives, wearing new clothes, and sharing delicious meals together.
The two major festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, occur at different times of the year and commemorate different significant events in Islamic history.
Celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr marks the joyous end of the month-long fast. It is a reward for the devotion and self-control practiced during Ramadan. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims are required to give a special charity, *Zakat al-Fitr*, to the poor so they too can celebrate. The day is filled with feasting, with a particular emphasis on sweets, earning it the nickname "Sweet Eid."
A celebration of spiritual discipline and gratitude.
This Eid, also known as the "Greater Eid," is celebrated during the month of Dhul Hijjah, at the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Just as he was about to do so, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. To honor this, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal (like a sheep or goat) and divide the meat into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
A tribute to faith, obedience, and sacrifice.
Several key symbols and practices are central to the spirit and observance of both Eid festivals.
The sighting of the new crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, a moment of great anticipation.
The mosque is the center of the community for the special Eid prayers that kick off the day's celebrations.
Giving to the poor is a mandatory act, ensuring that the entire community, rich and poor, can celebrate together.
The universal greeting, meaning "Blessed Feast/Festival," is exchanged by Muslims all over the world.
Eid is celebrated with traditions that strengthen family ties and community bonds.
Wearing new or the best clothes is a tradition that symbolizes spiritual renewal and a fresh start.
A gift, often money, given to children by elder relatives as a token of love and blessing.
A major part of the day is spent visiting the homes of family and friends, sharing food and strengthening relationships.
Preparing and sharing elaborate meals is central to the celebration, with each culture having its own special Eid dishes.
The food of Eid is rich, diverse, and celebratory. While dishes vary greatly by region, some have become iconic symbols of the festival's culinary joy.