The two Eids

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, after the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a day to thank Allah for the strength to complete the fast.

Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah. It remembers the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was ready to sacrifice his son for Allah. Allah replaced the sacrifice with a great offering, as Quran 37:102-107 tells.

The dates depend on the Hijri calendar and on moon sighting, so follow the announcement of your local community.

The Eid prayer

The Eid prayer is prayed in congregation, in the morning, after the sun has risen. It has these features:

  • It has two rak'ahs (units of prayer), with extra takbirs (saying "Allahu akbar") added in the rak'ahs. Scholars differ a little on how many extra takbirs there are, so follow the imam.
  • There is no adhan (call to prayer) and no iqamah for it.
  • The Prophet ﷺ usually prayed it outdoors, in an open prayer ground. Many communities still do this when they can, and others pray in large halls or mosques.
  • The imam gives a khutbah (sermon) after the prayer. It is good to stay and listen.

Men, women and children are all encouraged to attend. The Prophet ﷺ taught that even women who are menstruating should go to the gathering and share the good, but they keep away from the prayer area.

Takbir and zakat al-fitr

The takbir is a call of praise that Muslims say in the days of Eid. A common form is: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd." It means that Allah is the Greatest and all praise belongs to Him.

Zakat al-fitr is a small charity that each Muslim gives at the end of Ramadan, for themselves and for the people they support. It purifies the fast and feeds the poor. It should be paid before the Eid prayer, as the Prophet ﷺ taught. Many scholars allow paying it a day or two earlier. If you pay it after the prayer, it counts as ordinary charity. Ask a local scholar about the amount and the form of payment.

The sacrifice of Eid al-Adha

After the prayer on Eid al-Adha, Muslims who are able offer a udhiyah (sacrifice) of an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow or camel. It must meet the conditions of age and health, and the animal is slaughtered in the way Islam teaches.

As commonly taught, the meat is shared in three parts: one for the family, one for relatives, friends and neighbours, and one for the poor. Quran 22:36 tells us to eat from it and to feed the needy. Some scholars allow other proportions.

Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid al-Fitr and on the day of Eid al-Adha. These are days of eating and enjoying the gifts of Allah.

Good manners on Eid

Eid is a day of joy and kindness. These habits are recommended:

  • Take a bath, wear your best clean clothes and use perfume (for men).
  • Greet people kindly, for example with "Eid Mubarak".
  • Visit family, neighbours and friends. Forgive old arguments and make peace.
  • Be generous to the poor, to orphans and to anyone who is alone.
  • Enjoy permitted food and fun, and avoid waste and anything that Allah forbids.

General information for learning, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Sources

  • Quran 37:102-107
  • Quran 22:36-37
  • Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of the Two Eids)
  • Sahih Muslim (Book of the Two Eids)
  • Sunan Abi Dawud (Book of Zakat)