Eid

Eid is a special occasion for Muslims across the world and is a time for celebration with family, friends and the wider community. Muslims celebrate 2 main occasions in the year Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.

Eid ul Fitr  which means "the festival of breaking the fast" marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period of month-long fasting for where Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. For information on fasting you can visit our section on Ramadan.

Eid-Ul-Adha is also known as the "Festival of sacrifice" and marks the end of Hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and Muslims are expected to perform Hajj once in a lifetime if they are fit and able to do so. The dates change every year based on the Islamic lunar calendar but Eid ul-Adha is approximately two months after.

Muslims worldwide including our staff, colleagues, volunteers and those we support celebrate Eid with their family, friends and the wider community. It is celebrated over 3 days and on the day of Eid Muslims will participate in communal prayers at the mosque, give charity, visit family & friends and exchange gifts to enjoy the festivities. One common phrase that is used during both Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr is "Eid Mubarak" which means "Blessed Eid".

Why are there 2 Eids?

Produced by BBC Newsround

This short video explains what is Eid is and the difference between the 2 Eids.

What is Eid ul-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is a special occasion for Muslims and is a time for celebration with family and loved ones. It marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Find out more about Eid ul-Fitr in 2024.

What is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha is one of the 2 blessed Eids celebrated by Muslims. It follows the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage period, and is also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice”. Find out more about Eid al-Adha in 2024.