What is Eid and it's significance?

What is Eid?

Each year, Muslims around the world celebrate two holidays: Eid Al-Fitr (or the Festival of Fast Breaking) and Eid Al-Adha (or the Festival of Sacrifice). The word “Eid” is the Arabic translation of holiday. Eid Al-Fitr is three days long. This Eid is the celebration of the successful conclusion of the month of fasting of Ramadan. Eid Al-Adha is four days long. This Eid is the celebration of the completion of Hajj. Hajj is the Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

One of the differences between the two Eids, is that during Eid Al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice a lamb. This sacrifice commemorates the test from God for Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son. Before Prophet Abraham fulfilled God’s command, the Angel Gabriel presented him with a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son. Today, when Muslims sacrifice a lamb on Eid Al-Adha, the meat is shared with family, friends, and those in need around the world.

Each Eid occurs once a year. The date of Eid follows the Islamic lunar calendar. So the dates change from year to year depending on the moon sightings. This is a big celebration for Muslims around the world. Eid is celebrated with gatherings of family and friends, gifts and treats, and lots of eating. In the United States, typically Muslim students will be absent from school on Eid to participate in the Eid prayers and festivities. The first day of Eid is started with a morning prayer, followed by a sermon, and then community festivities.