The Two Eids in Islam

Eid literally means "festival" or "celebration" in Arabic. Muslims observe two Eid celebrations each year, both prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as divinely appointed festivals replacing pre-Islamic celebrations.

The Prophet ﷺ said when he arrived in Madinah and found people celebrating two festivals: "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)

Expected Date: Friday, 20th March 2026
Islamic Date: 1st Shawwal 1447 AH

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a day of immense joy and gratitude—joy for completing the fast and gratitude to Allah for granting the strength to worship throughout the blessed month.

Key Elements of Eid al-Fitr

• Zakat al-Fitr: Obligatory charity (£5 per person) must be paid before Eid prayer
• Eat before prayer: Unlike Eid al-Adha, you should eat (preferably dates) before Eid al-Fitr prayer
• Eid prayer: Congregational prayer after sunrise
• No fasting: Fasting is prohibited on Eid day
• Celebration: Family visits, gifts, festive meals

Eid al-Adha 2026 (Festival of Sacrifice)

Expected Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026
Islamic Date: 10th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah's command. It coincides with Hajj and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, whether or not they are performing the pilgrimage.

Key Elements of Eid al-Adha

• Qurbani: Obligatory animal sacrifice for those who are eligible
• Don't eat before prayer: Unlike Eid al-Fitr, the first food should be from the Qurbani meat
• Four days of celebration: Eid al-Adha lasts longer than Eid al-Fitr
• Day of Arafah: Fast on 9th Dhul Hijjah (day before Eid) for great reward
• Takbeer: Recited from Fajr of 9th until Asr of 13th Dhul Hijjah

2026 Islamic Calendar: Key Dates

Note: All dates are estimates based on astronomical calculations. Actual dates depend on moon sighting.

Preparing for Eid 2026

Before Eid al-Fitr (March 2026)

• Calculate Zakat al-Fitr: £5 × number of family members
• Pay Zakat al-Fitr: 1-2 days before Eid to ensure timely distribution
• Complete Ramadan worship: Maximise the Last 10 Nights
• Prepare clothes: New or best garments for Eid day
• Plan family gatherings: Arrange visits and celebrations
• Prepare Eidi: Gifts/money for children

Before Eid al-Adha (May 2026)

• Arrange Qurbani: Book your sacrifice with a trusted charity
• Fast on Day of Arafah: 26th May 2026 (expiates two years of sins)
• Don't trim hair/nails: If sacrificing, avoid from 1st Dhul Hijjah until sacrifice
• Learn the Eid takbeer: Recited throughout the days of Eid

Eid Prayer

Both Eids share similar prayer formats:

• Timing: After sunrise, before Dhuhr
• Format: Two rak'ahs with additional takbeers
• Khutbah: Sermon delivered AFTER the prayer (unlike Jummah)
• Location: Traditionally in open spaces; now commonly in large mosques
• No adhan or iqamah: The prayer begins without the call to prayer

Differences Between the Two Eids

Eid Traditions Around the World

While the religious observances are universal, Eid celebrations vary beautifully across cultures:

• Middle East: Elaborate feasts, sweet pastries like ma'amoul, visiting extended family
• South Asia: Henna, new clothes, biryani, seviyan, giving Eidi to children
• Southeast Asia: Open houses, ketupat, visiting graves of ancestors
• Africa: Community gatherings, traditional clothing, special dishes
• Western countries: Mosque gatherings, Eid fairs, community events

Share Your Eid Blessings

While we celebrate with abundance, millions of children face Eid with nothing—no new clothes, no special food, no gifts. In Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and beyond, families struggle to survive, let alone celebrate.

Your Eid donation can change that. Whether it's Zakat al-Fitr, Qurbani meat, or a simple gift, your generosity brings Eid joy to those who would otherwise have none.

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). Exact dates depend on moon sighting.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?

Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected on Friday, 20th March 2026 (1st Shawwal 1447 AH). It marks the end of Ramadan. Pay Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayer.

When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected on Wednesday, 27th May 2026 (10th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). It commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice and coincides with Hajj. Complete your Qurbani on this day.

What's the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan and involves Zakat al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha is during Hajj and involves Qurbani (animal sacrifice). Eid al-Adha lasts 4 days while Eid al-Fitr is 1 day.

Why do Eid dates change each year?

Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. This means Islamic dates (including Eid) shift earlier by about 11 days each year.

How is the Eid date determined?

Eid begins when the new crescent moon is sighted marking the start of a new Islamic month. Some communities use local sighting, others follow Saudi Arabia, and some use astronomical calculations.