Explained: What Is Eid And How Do Muslims Celebrate It?

EditionIN
  • IN
  • US
TOI logoSign In

TOI

  • world
  • Middle East
  • US Presidential Elections
  • US
  • Pakistan
  • South Asia
  • UK
  • Europe
  • China
  • Rest of World
  • Mad, Mad World
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Web Stories
Today's ePaper
  • News
  • World News
  • Middle East News
  • Explained: What is Eid and how do Muslims celebrate it?
TrendingHurricane Milton FloridaFat Bear ContestIsrael Hezbollah War2024 Nobel PrizeMeghan MarkleDonald TrumpKamala HarrisHurricane Milton FloridaFat Bear ContestIsrael Hezbollah War2024 Nobel PrizeMeghan MarkleDonald TrumpKamala HarrisHurricane Milton FloridaFat Bear ContestIsrael Hezbollah War2024 Nobel PrizeMeghan MarkleDonald TrumpKamala HarrisThis story is from May 11, 2021Explained: What is Eid and how do Muslims celebrate it?AP / May 11, 2021, 12:20 ISTShareAA+Text Size
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
Follow us Eid literally means a "festival" or "feast" in Arabic. There are two major eids in the Islamic calendar per year - Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later. Explained: What is Eid and how do Muslims celebrate it?Filipino Muslims shop at a street market ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival marking the end of Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Quiapo, Manila/ DUBAI: Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, one of the religion's principal festivals. In July, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha. Ken Chitwood, a scholar of global Islam, explains the two Islamic festivals.1. What is Eid?Eid literally means a "festival" or "feast" in Arabic. There are two major eids in the Islamic calendar per year - Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later.Eid al-Fitr is a three-day-long festival and is known as the "Lesser" or "Smaller Eid" when compared to Eid al-Adha, which is four-days-long and is known as the "Greater Eid."2.Why is Eid celebrated twice a year?The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of Islam.Eid al-Fitr means "the feast of breaking the fast." The fast, in this instance, is Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sundown for a month.3. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers. People greet each other with "Eid Mubarak," meaning "Blessed Eid" and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and to those in need. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Practices vary from country to country.In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. In the U.S. and the U.K., Muslims may request to have the day off from school or work to travel or celebrate with family and friends.In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers. Special food is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate.In places like Jordan, with its Muslim majority population, the days before Eid al-Fitr can see a rush at local malls and special "Ramadan markets" as people prepare to exchange gifts on Eid al-Fitr.In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as the, "Lesser Bayram" or "festival" in Turkish.4. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?The other festival, Eid al-Adha, is the "feast of the sacrifice." It comes at the end of the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means.Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satan's attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God's command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed.But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim's sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God.5. When are they celebrated?Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the final month in the Islamic calendar.The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar can vary year by year.6. What is the spiritual meaning of Eid al-Fitr?Eid al-Fitr, as it follows the fasting of Ramadan, is also seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah's provision of strength and endurance.Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid is meant to be a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community and a time for distributing one's wealth.Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. The Quran says,"Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity - for them is a great reward."(This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. )End of ArticleFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Visual Stories

Previous

How to make vrat-friendly Coconut Peanut Chutney at home

Food

How to make your 'Curry patta' plant grow faster

Lifestyle

10 plants that can be grown without soil (you only need water!)

Lifestyle

10 countries known for their wildlife

travel

​10 things you should never say to an older person​

Lifestyle

​10 stunningly beautiful parrots in the world​

Lifestyle

10 most iconic animals from the world of fiction and literature

Lifestyle

10 animals that live in water

Lifestyle

10 types of vegetable-based cheela for healthy breakfast

Food

8 signs a child is smarter than average

Lifestyle Next
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Photostories

Bigg Boss 18: Confirmed list of the contestants of Salman Khan hosted controversial show
Bigg Boss 18: Confirmed list of the contestants of Salman Khan hosted controversial show
5 countries with the best anti-aircraft missile systems in the world
5 countries with the best anti-aircraft missile systems in the world
From getting kicked out from Shark Tank India 4 to marrying a Mexico-based model, buying India’s first : Times when Deepinder Goyal made headlines
From getting kicked out from Shark Tank India 4 to marrying a Mexico-based model, buying India’s first : Times when Deepinder Goyal made headlines
8 animals that help Earth heal and how
8 animals that help Earth heal and how
10 most powerful countries in the world in 2024
10 most powerful countries in the world in 2024
Top 5 Zodiac Sign Ghosts The Most
Top 5 Zodiac Sign Ghosts The Most
From keeping his second marriage under wraps to converting to Islam; A look at Bigg Boss 18 contestant Vivian Dsena's Personal Life revelations
From keeping his second marriage under wraps to converting to Islam; A look at Bigg Boss 18 contestant Vivian Dsena's Personal Life revelations
​Bigg Boss Tamil 8: Confirmed list of contestants of Vijay Sethupathi hosted show Bigg Boss Tamil 8​
​Bigg Boss Tamil 8: Confirmed list of contestants of Vijay Sethupathi hosted show Bigg Boss Tamil 8​
Top 10 Largest Economies In The World 2025: India To Become 4th Largest Economy Soon! What Will Be The GDP Rankings of US, China? Check List
Top 10 Largest Economies In The World 2025: India To Become 4th Largest Economy Soon! What Will Be The GDP Rankings of US, China? Check List
5 Indian villages honoured with National Tourism Award for responsible tourism
5 Indian villages honoured with National Tourism Award for responsible tourism
From 'Bigg Boss' star to fitness icon: Shehnaaz Gill's inspiring weight loss journey
From 'Bigg Boss' star to fitness icon: Shehnaaz Gill's inspiring weight loss journey
5 Most Flirty Zodiac Signs
5 Most Flirty Zodiac Signs
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Hot Picks

Hurricane Milton LiveRatan Tata DiesDelhi Drugs in NamkeenHarris vs Trump Latest PollsUP Scholarships Non-Creamy LayerNoel TataSensex Today

TOP TRENDING

Omar AbdullahMukesh AmbaniPM Modi Laos VisitHurricane Milton NewsPrince HarryMeghan MarkleTop Quotes by Ratan TataDurga Ashtami Pura VidhiDiddy ListLargest Economies in the World

Trending Stories

In WorldEntire Website
  • Ratan Tata passes away News Live Updates: 'Visionary business leader, compassionate soul,' PM Modi condoles Ratan Tata
  • 9 Powerful Quotes to Motivate Students Towards Success Through Hard Work
  • 'Will spend rest of my life trying to ... ': Tata Trust's youngest GM Shantanu Naidu pays tribute to his 'dear lighthouse' Ratan
  • Padma Vibhushan industrialist Ratan Tata dies at 86
  • ‘Anyone threatens India…’: Donald Trump praises PM Modi
  • Watch: Tata Trust's youngest GM Shantanu Naidu guides Ratan Tata's hearse on motorcycle
  • Who is Noel Tata? Meet Ratan Tata’s half-brother, who could be successor at Tata Trusts
  • New UPI transaction limits announced! Check new per transaction limits for UPI Lite Wallet & UPI 123Pay
  • The tall leader: When Ratan Tata stood outside Taj Hotel for 3 days during 26/11 Mumbai terror attack
  • End of an era! Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis after season's end
  • Congress reviews Haryana loss, to pause EVM attack till it has ‘enough evidence’
  • In anger at Canada minister’s remarks, separatist Pannun threatens to ‘Balkanise India’
  • Can chugging beer on late-night TV help Kamala woo masculine voters?
  • Tesla's Robotaxi unveil delayed due to medical emergency in the crowd
  • Axe the tainted & non-performers, PM Modi tells Union secretaries
  • Disturbed sleep tops list of complaints received on mental health helpline
  • How Tata became a role model for a new generation of entrepreneurs
  • Why this Nobel prize winner and former Google employee hates ChatGPT
  • 31 million passwords leaked in 'catastrophic' cyberattack on Internet Archive
  • Man gets life term for murder of Indian-origin restaurant manager in UK
logoAbout usCreate Your Own AdTerms of Use and Grievance Redressal Policy Privacy policyAdvertise with usRSSNewsletterFeedbackePaperSitemapArchivesFOLLOW US ON

Other Times Group News Sites

The Economic TimesHindi Economic TimesNavbharat TimesMaharashtra TimesVijaya KarnatakaTelugu SamayamTamil SamayamMalayalam SamayamI am GujaratTimesPointsIndiatimesBrand CapitalEducation TimesTimes FoodMumbai MirrorBangalore MirrorHindi Podcast

Popular Categories

HeadlinesSports NewsBusiness NewsIndia NewsWorld NewsBollywood NewsHealth+ TipsIndian TV ShowsCelebrity PhotosTechnology News

Hot on the Web

Vettaiyan ReviewBigg Boss 18 Contestants ListSimi GarewalRatan TataJr NTRWeight LossVettaiyanBelly FatBeetroot BenefitsOptical illusion

Top Trends

Hurricane MiltonRatan Tata NewsNew UPI Transaction LimitRatan Tata DiesPM ModiRafael NadalShantanu NaiduTom BradyStock Market TodayNarayana MurthyEngland Cricket Team New RecordRatan Tata Inspiring QuotesManagement Colleges of IndiaTop Medical Colleges of IndiaTop Engineering Colleges of IndiaTop Pharmacy Colleges of IndiaLive Cricket Score

Trending Topics

Diwali WishesJigra ReviewDussehra WishesVettaiyan Twitter ReviewVettaiyan CollectionVettaiyan ReviewSalman KhanDevara CollectionBigg Boss 18Deepika PadukoneShraddha KapoorRatan Tata Passed AwayColdplayVettaiyan Movie ReviewSwatantrya Veer SavarkarDussehra 2024Watch NFL Live StreamDress To ImpressRatan Tata DeathWordle Answer

Living and entertainment

ETimesTravel DestinationsCricbuzz.comTVLifestyleNewspaper SubscriptionFood NewsTimes PrimeWhats Hot

Services

CouponDuniaTechGigTimesJobsBollywood NewsTimes MobileGadgetsCareersColombia

Latest News

NIA charges 5 with human traffickingHarris overtakes Trump among suburban voters: Reuters/Ipsos pollDisturbed sleep tops list of complaints received on mental health helplineSamantha Ruth Prabhu shares playtime with Chinmayi Sripaada's daughter, says 'It took her 4.5 seconds to disown her parents'TD Bank pleads guilty to money laundering violations, agrees to $3 billion penaltyDilip Kumar-Saira Banu wedding anniversary: How the legendary actor surprised all by marrying his belovedSP-Congress alliance for UP bypolls intact: Akhilesh YadavHours after arrest, 1 of 2 Surat rape accused dies in custodyTriple centurion Harry Brook happy to break Dad's club recordHappy Dussehra 2024: Top 50 Wishes, Messages, and Quotes to Share with Your Loved OnesAnees Bazmee reveals Vidya Balan's first reaction after reading 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' scriptRanji Trophy: Focus on Shreyas Iyer as Mumbai begin title defenceBigg Boss 18: Karan Veer Mehra's comment on Arfeen Khan converting his wife's religion sparks anger; Arfeen says, "Agar ye ghar mein nahi hota main iski band baja deta"Dell’s 5-day work from office mandate for sales team leaves employees speculating on what next …Business figures who became billionaires after 40 including Henry Ford, Ray Kroc and moreHima Das exonerated by NADA Appeal Panel of doping charge arising from whereabout failuresWhen Kamal Haasan and Subhash Ghai remembered Sridevi: 'Her astonishing talent was not mere luck'Best Gaming Laptops Under 60000 That Deliver High PerformanceCopyright © 2024 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service

Tag » What Does Eid Mubarak Mean