Muslims celebrate two major festivals each year, both called Eid ("celebration"). Together they bookend the two great spiritual events of the Muslim year - Ramadan and Hajj.

Eid-ul-Fitr - Breaking the Fast

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan. It lasts up to three days. Traditions include:

Washing, putting on new or best clothes, and going to the mosque for a special morning Eid prayer.
Before the prayer, every household gives Zakat-ul-Fitr - a small charity (the cost of a meal) so that the poor can celebrate too.
Visiting relatives, sharing meals and exchanging gifts. Children are often given money called eidi.
Giving thanks to Allah for the strength to complete the fast.

Eid-ul-Adha - Festival of Sacrifice

Eid-ul-Adha falls at the end of Hajj. It remembers the story of Ibrahim: God commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail, and when Ibrahim was about to obey, God spared the boy and provided a ram instead. The story is shared with Jews and Christians under the name Abraham and Isaac.

Muslims who can afford it sacrifice a sheep, goat or cow (or pay for one to be sacrificed elsewhere).
The meat is divided into thirds: one-third for family, one-third for friends, one-third for the poor.
Families pray together at the mosque and share large meals.

Both Eids are days of thanksgiving, generosity and community.

Y9 Islam

Eid - Islamic Festivals