Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the foremost religious festivals that push faith, thankfulness, and belonging to the adherents of Islam. Both festivals have deep, long historical roots within Islam, and being the adherents, Muslims all around the globe celebrate both festivals with great festivity.
Eid al-Fitr
literally the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is an important Islamic religious event. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It has been started by Prophet Mohammad in 624 CE after the battle of Jang-e-Badar. It takes place on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, marking the end of Ramadan, a month for fasting and prayer. This date of the occurrence of Eid al-Fitr keeps on changing due to the use of the lunar calendar and is a time to give thanks to Allah for giving them strength and endurance to get through this month.
Eid al-Adha
Literally translated to mean “Festival of Sacrifice,” it is one of the biggest festivals of Islam. The festival is celebrated between the 10th and 12th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the last. It is the celebration of the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to offer his son Isma’il in sacrifice in obedience to Allah . Therefore, signifies the basic Islamic values of faith and submissiveness. Closely associated with Hajj—an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Meme, one of the Five Pillars of Islam—Eid al-Adha is usually celebrated some 70 days after Eid al-Fitr.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2024
When is Eid al-Adha 2024
“Regional differences result in the exact dates for the Eid celebrations being determined by the sighting of the moon.
Eid al-Fitr 2024: It should be on or about April 9–10, 2024, the date that celebrates the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. Its actual date should vary according to the sighting of the moon and regional customs.
Eid al-Adha 2024: This festival is celebrated approximately two months after Eid al-Fitr, i.e., on August 7-8, 2024, in conformity with the ending of Hajj.
While Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha share common rituals, each festival also showcases unique practices:
Prayer: Common to both, are the prayers called “Eid Salah,” offered in an open field or at a big mosque. The prayer comprises two Rakats, independent sermons denoting community and spiritual life.
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Charity: It’s the central stone of celebration towards Eid. To bring everybody on a fair chance of enjoying the festivals, that’s the reason Muslims should have to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer of Eid al-Fitr.
Qurbani (Sacrifice): To sacrifice during the days of Eid al-Adha, the occasion of the Qurbani tradition symbolizes Ibrahim’s devotion. The meat is then distributed to friends, family members, and poor people in the area.
Feasting and Gathering: Eid is attached to the various aspects of shared meals and gatherings. In special references to the sweet dishes, this is a common practice while getting prepared for Eid al-Fitr to show thankful token towards Almighty for completing one month of fasting. Meat dishes, according to their tradition of making food items from the Qurbani meat, are considered as a main course during Eid al-Adha.
Gift giving: The giving and receiving of gifts are cherished customs of Eid, often even between adults, but certainly with children. It is a time when children usually receive new outfits, toys, and pocket money.
These festivals represent much more than religious festivals, for in them are woven elements of sacrifice, unity, and generosity into the very texture of Islamic living. They draw Muslims in a common purpose, bridging the differences of nation and culture to fashion, in fact, a worldwide brotherhood, putting particular emphasis on the indispensability of looking after others and fostering family and communal relationships.