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Eid al-Fitr (eed al-fitir) and Eid al-Adha (eed al-ud’ha) are the two major religious holidays Muslims celebrate during the year. The Eid al-Fitr, “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” commemorates the end of Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset to develop piety and self-restraint.  

The Eid al-Adha, or “Festival of the Sacrifice,” marks the end of the Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. This Eid commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, in obedience to God and God’s mercy on Abraham by replacing Ishmael with a ram. Muslims honor this event by sacrificing an animal, usually a lamb, which is then divided among their families and the poor. In the U.S., Muslims pay a halal butcher to perform the sacrifice or they make a donation through charities. (Halal refers to the dietary practices required according to Qu’ran and tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.) The Eid al-Adha is a major religious event in the lives of Muslims. Usually, communities in the Muslim world celebrate this occasion over a period of several days.

For both holidays, Muslims dressed in their best attire begin the day with special prayers performed at large indoor or outdoor gatherings. A sermon is given after the completion of Eid prayers. Muslims then greet their fellow worshippers with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “May your holiday be blessed.” Families visit their relatives and friends to celebrate, exchange greetings and enjoy festive meals. Children are often rewarded with gifts, money and sweets. Both holidays serve many purposes for Muslims; they commemorate important religious events, signify the ending of Ramadan and Hajj and give people a time for celebration and fun.

• What is the significance of Ramadan in the lives of Muslims?
• What do Muslims see as the benefits of the Ramadan fast?
• Why are gifts given on the Eid al-Fitr?