Understanding Eid in Islam

The Arabic word "Eid" (عيد) means "festival" or "celebration." It derives from the root word meaning "to return" or "to repeat," signifying that these joyous occasions return to us each year as divine gifts. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ replaced pre-Islamic festivals with these two blessed occasions, giving Muslims divinely-sanctioned celebrations.

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he found the people celebrating two festivals from their pre-Islamic past. He said: "Allah has given you something better than these: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr." (Abu Dawud)

Eid al-Fitr 2026: Festival of Breaking the Fast

Date: Friday, 20th March 2026 (1st Shawwal 1447 AH)

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the completion of Ramadan—a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth. The name literally means "festival of breaking the fast," marking the return to normal eating after 29-30 days of abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours.

The Joy of Completion

Eid al-Fitr is a day of gratitude. We thank Allah for:

• The strength to complete Ramadan's fasts
• The opportunity to worship during the blessed month
• The forgiveness and mercy we sought throughout Ramadan
• Living to witness another Ramadan when many did not

Essential Requirements

• Zakat al-Fitr: Pay £5 per person before Eid prayer
• Eid Prayer: Attend the congregational prayer after sunrise
• Takbeer: Recite from Maghrib the night before until the Eid prayer

Eid al-Adha 2026: Festival of Sacrifice

Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026 (10th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) ultimate test of faith when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail. When Ibrahim showed complete submission to Allah's will, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram. This sacrifice is honoured through Qurbani.

The Significance

• Commemorates Ibrahim's obedience and trust in Allah
• Coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage
• Symbolises submission to Allah's will
• Provides meat for the poor who rarely eat it

Essential Requirements

• Qurbani: Mandatory for those who are eligible (wealth above Nisab)
• Day of Arafah: Fast on 26th May for great reward (if not on Hajj)
• Eid Prayer: Attend after sunrise
• Takbeer: Recite from Fajr 9th until Asr 13th Dhul Hijjah

How to Celebrate Eid

The Night Before (Chaand Raat)

For Eid al-Fitr especially, the night before Eid is a time of excitement and preparation. Many cultures have their own traditions—henna application, shopping, cooking special foods, and gathering with family.

Eid Morning Sunnahs

• Perform ghusl: Complete ritual bath
• Wear best clothes: New if possible, or your finest
• Apply fragrance: For men (women should be modest in public)
• Eat before prayer: For Eid al-Fitr only (eat dates); for Eid al-Adha, wait until after Qurbani
• Walk to prayer: If possible, taking different routes there and back
• Recite takbeer: Throughout the morning until prayer begins

Eid Prayer

Both Eids feature a special congregational prayer:

• Performed after sunrise, before Dhuhr
• Two rak'ahs with additional takbeers
• Khutbah delivered AFTER the prayer
• No adhan or iqamah

After the Prayer

• Exchange "Eid Mubarak" greetings
• Visit family, especially elders
• Give gifts to children (Eidi)
• Enjoy festive meals together
• Reconnect with friends and extended family
• Remember those less fortunate

Eid Greetings and Du'as

Common Eid greetings include:

• "Eid Mubarak" – Blessed Eid
• "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" – May Allah accept from us and from you
• "Kullu 'aam wa antum bi-khayr" – May you be well every year

Remembering Those in Need

True Eid joy comes from ensuring everyone can celebrate. The Prophet ﷺ emphasised caring for the poor on Eid—this is why Zakat al-Fitr and Qurbani distribution to the poor are integral parts of each Eid.

While you enjoy Eid with your family, remember:

• Children in Gaza who wake up to destruction, not celebration
• Families in Yemen who have no food for Eid
• Refugees who have lost everything
• Orphans who have no family to celebrate with

Your Eid donation can transform their day from despair to hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid 2026?

There are two Eids in 2026: Eid al-Fitr on Friday, 20th March 2026 (after Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27th May 2026 (during Hajj season).

What is the difference between the two Eids?

Eid al-Fitr celebrates completing Ramadan and requires Zakat al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice and requires Qurbani for eligible Muslims.

Is Eid prayer obligatory?

Most scholars consider Eid prayer to be Wajib (obligatory) or a strongly emphasised Sunnah. It's a communal celebration that Muslims should attend.

Can I fast on Eid day?

No, fasting is PROHIBITED on both Eid days. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

What should I wear to Eid prayer?

Wear your best clothes—new if possible. It's Sunnah to dress well for Eid. Apply fragrance (for men) and ensure cleanliness.

How long does Eid last?

Eid al-Fitr is one day. Eid al-Adha lasts four days (the day of Eid plus three days of Tashreeq).