Eids

Eids refers to the major Islamic holidays, most commonly Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The word Eid comes from Arabic and means festival or celebration. In English, the plural form Eids is used to refer to multiple Eid celebrations or to the two principal Eid holidays collectively.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Eid al-Adha occurs during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, an event connected with the Hajj pilgrimage. Both holidays are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates advance by about ten or eleven days each year. Some communities rely on local moon sightings, while others use astronomical calculations, leading to variations in the exact date from country to country or region to region.

Observances typically include a communal prayer in mosques or open spaces, followed by festive meals, visiting family and friends, and charitable giving. Zakat al-fitr, a charity given before Eid al-Fitr, helps purify those who fast. Eid al-Adha is associated with the sacrifice of an animal, the meat of which is shared with family, neighbours, and the needy. Wearing new clothes, exchanging greetings such as “Eid Mubarak,” feasting, and giving gifts are common practices. Public holidays for Eids are established in many Muslim-majority countries, though the duration and specific customs vary regionally.

See also Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic calendar, Hajj.