What is Eid?
Eid means “festival” or “Eid” in Arabic. There are two major Eids every year in the Islamic calendar—Eid-ul-Fitr before it and Eid-ul-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr is a three-day festival compared to Eid al-Adha when it is called “Chhota” or “Chhoti Eid,” which is four days long and is known as the “Greater Eid.”
Why is Eid celebrated twice a year?
Both Eids acknowledged, celebrated, and remembered two separate events that are important to Islam’s story.
Eid al-Fitr means “invitation to break the fast.” On this occasion, fasting is the holy month of Ramadan, which reminds us of the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet of Islam and requires Muslims to fast on Sundays for a month from sunrise.
Muslims) How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr offers two- to three-day celebrations, including special morning prayers. People give each other the meaning of “Happy Eid,” which means “Happy Eid,” and formally embrace. Desserts are prepared at home, and gifts are given to children and the needy. Also, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and apologize. Behavior varies from country to country.
In many countries, where large numbers of Muslims live, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday in every Muslim country. Schools, businesses, and offices are closed, so family, friends, and neighbors can enjoy the festivities together. In the United States and the United States, Muslims may request leave from school or work to travel or celebrate with friends and family from home.
In countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights, or flowers. Special meals are prepared, and friends and family are invited to celebrate.
In Jordan, in the area of Muslim-majority population, one day before Eid al-Fitr, local malls and special “Ramadan bazaars” can be crowded as people are ready to exchange gifts for Eid al-Fitr.
In Turkey and in the places that were once part of the Ottoman Turkish Empire, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Albania, and the Caucasus, it is also known in Turkey as “Laser Bayrum” or “Festival.”
How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?
The second festival, Eid al-Adha, is “the feast of sacrifice.” It comes exactly after the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Saudi Arabia Mecca, a once-in-a-lifetime necessity, but only for a cause.
Eid al-Adha recalls how Allah commanded Ibraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as a test of faith. As stated in the Qur’an, the story describes Satan’s attempt to tempt Abraham to disobey God’s command. However, Abraham remained needy and informed Ishmael, who was ready to sacrifice.
But, as Abraham tries to kill his son, God intervenes, and a ram is sacrificed instead of Ishmael. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter animals to remember Abraham’s sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to God’s will.
When are they celebrated?
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on the very first day of the Islamic month Shawl.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the last month, Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Islamic calendar is lunar; dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Because the Islamic calendar year is 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan and Eid’s dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary from year to year.
What is the spiritual meaning of Eid-ul-Fitr?
As it is after the fast of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is also seen as a spiritual celebration of God’s power and endurance.
Between reflection and happiness, Eid al-Fitr is a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid means a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community and a time to distribute one’s wealth.
