The difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is the second of two official holidays which are celebrated within Islam. It’s different from Eid al-Fitr, which was last celebrated in April 2023.

The word ‘Eid’ means ‘feast’ or ‘festival’. Each year Muslims celebrate both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. But the names often get shortened to just ‘Eid’, which is why it can be confusing.

Here’s everything you need to know about the two Eids and why they’re different.

Festivals in Islam are based on the lunar calendar – which is around 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, which most people in the world use in their day-to-day life.

The Islamic calendar follows the 12-month lunar calendar. The dates of both Eids change each year, but Eid al-Adha is always celebrated after Eid al-Fitr.

On both Eids, many Muslims will go to special prayers at their local mosque. They then have a day of celebrations with family and friends.

Eid Al Adha

Eid al-Adha – which means ‘feast of the sacrifice’ – is celebrated just over two months after Eid al-Fitr, at the same time when many Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

It coincides with the end of Hajj – the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This Eid is generally considered the holier of the two festivals.

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime activity that is a duty for those who can afford it, and who haven’t already performed it.

On the other hand, Eid-al-Adha is an annual activity celebrated by all.

Eid Al Fitr

Eid al-Fitr – which means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast – is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, a month when many adult Muslims fast.

Fasting is important for Muslims during Ramadan. Fasting allows them to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God.

It was originated by the Prophet Muhammad, and is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. After Ramadan, fasting is forbidden on the Day of Eid.

This Eid usually begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon which marks the end of Ramadan and the onset of the month of Shawwal, the tenth of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Many Muslims will attend Eid prayers at their mosque and it’s a tradition to wear new clothes and on the way to the mosque, to eat something sweet, such as a date, and recite a short prayer, called a takbeer.