Eid: What It Is, The Two Eids, Dates and How It's Celebrated

If you are wondering how many eids are there, the answer is that there are two eids celebrated by Muslims each year. These different eids are Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which comes after the Hajj pilgrimage. Understanding what are the two eids helps explain the unique traditions, prayers, and celebratory meals associated with each blessed holiday.

There are two Eids in the Islamic year. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting. Eid al-Adha, roughly two months later, falls at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

Both follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so they move about eleven days earlier each year against the Gregorian one, and the exact date depends on the sighting of the new moon.

Below: what each Eid marks, what happens on the day, greetings and etiquette, and how Eid looks in the UK.

The two Eids

While both occasions are deeply significant, the two eids have distinct origins and lengths of celebration. Understanding the differences between these 2 eids helps explain why one is associated with completing a month of fasting while the other commemorates historical devotion. Here is a closer look at what makes each of these key festivals unique in the Islamic calendar.

• Eid al-Fitr - the festival of breaking the fast, on the first day of Shawwal, at the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha - the festival of sacrifice, on the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah, at the close of Hajj.
• Eid al-Fitr is often called the 'smaller Eid' and Eid al-Adha the 'greater Eid', though both are major.
• Eid al-Fitr is typically one day of celebration, Eid al-Adha up to four.
• Both begin with a congregational Eid prayer in the morning.

When is Eid?

Pinpointing exactly when Eid falls can sometimes confuse those unfamiliar with the lunar calendar. Because dates rely on moon sightings, the timing of each Eid shifts every year. Here we explain how the dates are calculated, how the two events relate to each other, and what to expect regarding school or work absence when celebrating in the UK.

• The Islamic calendar is lunar, so both Eids move around eleven days earlier each Gregorian year.
• The date is confirmed by the sighting of the new crescent moon, which is why it can be announced only a day ahead.
• Eid al-Adha falls roughly seventy days after Eid al-Fitr.
• Neither is a public holiday in the UK, though many people take annual leave, and schools generally authorise absence.

What happens on the day

From the moment the family wakes up, the morning of e.i.d is filled with anticipation and preparation. It is a day of spiritual reflection, community, and personal care. Before the main congregational prayers begin, there are several traditional steps and charitable acts that every family completes to start their celebrations on a blessed note.

• An early start, a wash, and best or new clothes.
• Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation, given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
• Something sweet eaten before the prayer at Eid al-Fitr - dates are traditional.
• The Eid prayer at the mosque, a park or a hired hall, often with thousands attending.
• Greetings of 'Eid Mubarak' to everyone present.
• Visiting family and neighbours through the day, eating at each house.
• Eidi - money or gifts given to children.
• Visiting graves of relatives in many communities.
• At Eid al-Adha, the qurbani sacrifice, with the meat shared three ways including with those in need.

Food and gifts

Food and gift-giving are central to both celebrations, bringing loved ones together around the table. From morning sweets to rich, aromatic savoury feasts later in the afternoon, the culinary traditions span various cultures. Alongside the delicious meals, giving special presents and monetary tokens is a beloved custom that delights the youngest members of the family.

• Dates, sweets and pastries first thing at Eid al-Fitr.
• Biryani, curries, kebabs and rice dishes for the main family meal.
• Sheer khurma, baklava, ma'amoul, kunafa and gulab jamun, depending on the family's heritage.
• Eidi - cash in an envelope for children, the most anticipated part of the day.
• Perfume, sweets, dates and flowers as gifts between adults.
• Cards exchanged, especially in the UK, with friends, neighbours and colleagues.
• No alcohol and no pork - keep both away from anything you bring.

Greetings and etiquette

If you want to wish someone well during Eid and are not sure what to say, learning a few simple terms and cultural customs can make all the difference. Knowing how to greet your Muslim friends and how to behave respectfully if you are invited to join their festivities ensures everyone can share in the joyful spirit of the occasion.

• 'Eid Mubarak' - blessed Eid - is the standard greeting and always welcome from anyone.
• 'Eid Sa'id' - happy Eid - is also used.
• It's entirely appropriate for non-Muslim friends and colleagues to say it.
• If you're invited to eat, accept, and don't take anything with alcohol or pork.
• Dress modestly if you're visiting a home or a mosque.
• Shoes off at the door.
• Ask before photographing prayers.

Eid in the UK

In recent years, the UK has seen vibrant public celebrations that bring local communities together in spectacular fashion. From massive gatherings in local parks to cultural festivals in major city centres, celebrating these special days in Britain has become a joyful, visible, and highly organised event that showcases the country's diverse and welcoming spirit.

• Large open-air Eid prayers take place in parks in Birmingham, London, Manchester and Bradford.
• Eid in the Square in London brings food stalls, music and family activities.
• Small Heath Park in Birmingham has hosted one of Europe's largest Eid prayers.
• Many employers offer flexible leave, and schools authorise absence for the day.
• Sending a card or saying Eid Mubarak to colleagues is common and appreciated.

Key things to remember

• Send the card or message on the day itself - the date is only confirmed the evening before.
• If a colleague celebrates, 'Eid Mubarak' is always the right thing to say.
• Check which Eid it is before you write; the two have very different tones.

Frequently asked questions

What is Eid?

Eid is an Islamic festival. There are two: Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha, marking the end of Hajj and commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

When is Eid?

Both follow the Islamic lunar calendar and move around eleven days earlier each year. The exact date is confirmed by the sighting of the new crescent moon, often only a day in advance.

What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Fitr ends Ramadan and centres on breaking the fast, charity and sweets. Eid al-Adha falls at the end of Hajj and centres on the qurbani sacrifice, with the meat shared with family, neighbours and those in need.

How do you wish someone a happy Eid?

'Eid Mubarak' is the standard greeting and is welcome from anyone, Muslim or not. 'Eid Sa'id' is also used.

What do you give at Eid?

Eidi - money in an envelope - for children, and perfume, sweets, dates or flowers for adults. Never bring alcohol or anything containing pork.

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