Millions of Muslims around the world celebrate both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha each year, but with both celebrations being shortened to just “Eid”, it can become confusing.
Today marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset.
The end is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr – the first of the Eid celebrations.
The second one being Eid al-Adha – and it’s important not to confuse the two.
Here we explain the significance of both festivals, what they celebrate – and how people around the world mark them.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
(Image: Getty Images)
Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and is celebrated at the end of Ramadan each year.
The date of Eid al-Fitr changes because it is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year Eid al-Fitr falls on either Thursday, May 13, or Friday, May 14 – depending on when the moon is sighted in different counties.
Eid al-Fitr also marks the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Muslims usually celebrate for three days with prayer, eating with friends and family and giving gifts or money to children.
It’s also traditional to give money to the poor before Eid prayers commence, an act called Zakut-ul-Fitr.
What is Eid al-Adha?
(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
Two months after the end of Ramadan comes Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice.
This takes place during Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
This festival commemorates the story in the Quran where the prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to sacrifice the thing that meant the most to him – his son Ismael.
Ibrahim and his wife travelled to Mecca to carry out the sacrifice, and were met with distractions.
Despite being prompted by the Devil to break his promise with God, they carried on.
Just as Ibrahim was about to slaughter his son, Allah replaced him with a ram.
The Mirror’s newsletter brings you the latest news, exciting showbiz and TV stories, sport updates and essential political information.
The newsletter is emailed out first thing every morning, at 12noon and every evening.
Never miss a moment by signing up to our newsletter here.
Ibrahim, who was blindfolded, sacrificed the lam instead, according to the story.
By agreeing and being willing to sacrifice his son, Ibrahim proved his love for Allah was unsurpassed, meaning he had passed the test and his son was spared.
Today people sacrifice various animals in the name of God on Eid al-Adha, honouring the tradition.
The meat is divided into three parts – one is shared with friends, family and neighbours, the second is given to the poor, and the third is for yourself and your immediate family.