What is Eid?
Eid (عيد) means "festivity" or "recurring happiness." Muslims celebrate two major Eids each year — Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — both of which were established by the Prophet ﷺ as days of joy, gratitude, and community.
Eid al-Fitr — Celebrating the End of Ramadan
When: 1st Shawwal — the day after Ramadan ends. Meaning: "The Feast of Breaking the Fast."
- Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) must be paid before the Eid prayer — an obligatory sadaqah given on behalf of every household member
- Eat something sweet (dates) before going to the Eid prayer
- Take a different route to and from the Eid prayer (Sunnah)
- Recite the Takbir: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
Eid al-Adha — The Feast of Sacrifice
When: 10th Dhul Hijjah — the day after the pilgrims stand at Arafah. Meaning: "The Feast of the Sacrifice," commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ to sacrifice his son.
- Udhiyah (Qurbani) — the sacrifice of a sheep, goat, cow, or camel is obligatory for those who can afford it
- Do not eat before the Eid prayer — the Sunnah is to eat from the sacrifice afterward
- Qurbani can be performed on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah
- The meat is divided: one-third for yourself, one-third for family and friends, one-third for the poor
Sunnah Acts on Both Eids
- Perform Ghusl (full bath) before the prayer
- Wear your best or new clothes
- Attend the Eid prayer in congregation — find your local mosque: Mosque Finder
- Exchange greetings: "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum"
- Visit family and maintain ties of kinship (Silat al-Rahim)
Find Eid prayer times and local mosques: Open Mosque Finder →