Practices in IslamEid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr

There are several important festivals in Islam that are celebrated around the world. The word ‘eid’ means festival, and the two most important festivals in the Islamic calendar are Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, which means that it follows the pattern of the moon. A lunar year has up to 355 days, so this means that these festivals change date each year in the main calendar used in Britain (in which a year has 365 days).

Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha is a commemoration of sacrifice and marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). The festival is a reminder of Allah’s blessings and shows how important it is to submit to Allah.

During Hajj, Muslims remember the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) when he was asked to make a great sacrifice for the sake of God. Ibrahim dreamed that Allah told him to sacrifice his son, Isma’il: My son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you (Surah 37:102).

Ibrahim explained his dream to Isma’il, who agreed the sacrifice had to be carried out. However, at the last minute, Allah told Ibrahim to sacrifice a ram instead. This was a test of Ibrahim’s loyalty to Allah.

On the first morning of Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosque. The service includes communal prayers and a sermon. The sermon teaches the importance of obeying Allah and talks about the lesson learnt by Ibrahim.

Traditionally, Muslims remember Ibrahim’s trials by themselves slaughtering an animal, such as a sheep, camel or goat. This is still practised in some Islamic countries, but in the UK meat is bought from halal butchers. The meat is then divided into three. A third is kept, a third is given to relatives or neighbours, and a third is given to the poor.

As Eid-ul-Adha is a special occasion, everyone wears new clothes. People spend time with family and friends, and presents and cards are exchanged. Women and young girls often decorate their hands with beautiful patterns using mehndhi (henna). Delicious food is eaten and shared with others.

Eid-ul-Fitr

This festival occurs at the end of Ramadan. It is a joyful festival. It is a day of thanksgiving to Allah and also celebrates the fact that Muslims have completed the fourth pillar of Islam (sawm).

At Eid-ul-Fitr, a special Zakah is collected. This is given to Muslims who are less well-off so that they can celebrate the festival as well.

There is a service with prayers and a sermon. Family and friends meet and exchange gifts.

Id-ul-Fitr is important for community togetherness, as often there are special celebrations (such as fun fairs) put on to enable members of other faiths to get involved.