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

Eid

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.

Cards to send at Eid

We don't make an Eid range - our blank-inside cards, printed in the UK, let you write your own message. There's wording help in our Eid card messages guide.

Celebrate That SLAAAAAY! Well Done Card Celebrate That SLAAAAAY! Well Done Card £3.87 Guinness themed thank you card with a pint of stout illustration and the pun text Tanks A Million. Tanks A Million (Guinness Themed Thank You Card) £3.87 Thank you and well done greeting card featuring a star design and the wording "You're a Star". You're a Star (Thank You or Well Done Card) £3.87 Thank you card showing an illustrated pint of Guinness with a cheeky message about celebrating with a stout. Thank You! (This Calls For a Guinness Thank You Card) £3.87 Thank You Gold Foil Velvet Greeting Card (A6) Thank You Gold Foil Velvet Greeting Card (A6) £4.49 Landscape thank you greeting card featuring vibrant, colourful letters spelling out "Thank You" for a colleague or friend. Thank You Card With Colourful Letters (Landscape) £3.87

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The two Eids

  • 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?

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • '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

  • 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.

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How to write it so it lands

  • 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.

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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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