What is Eid?
Eid refers to two significant Islamic holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Both Eids are times of joy, community, and spiritual reflection.
The Two Types of Eid: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It marks the conclusion of fasting and is a day of feasting, prayer, and giving to charity (Zakat al-Fitr).
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," it commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah (God). It occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage season and involves the sacrifice of animals, with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need.
Key Differences Between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha each have distinct significance and practices:
Eid al-Fitr
- Timing: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
- Significance: Marks the conclusion of fasting and a time of gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete Ramadan.
- Practices: Involves communal prayers, giving Zakat al-Fitr (charitable donations) to help the needy, feasting, and visiting family and friends.
- Focus: Emphasises community, charity, and gratitude.
Eid al-Adha
- Timing: Coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage and the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Significance: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
- Practices: Involves communal prayers, the ritual sacrifice of animals (Qurbani), distributing meat to the needy, and feasting.
- Focus: Emphasises sacrifice, obedience to God, and community sharing.
Why do we celebrate eid?
Eid is celebrated by Muslims to mark significant events in the Islamic calendar.
When is Eid Celebrated?
Eid is celebrated on different dates each year, based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Lunar Calendar and Eid Dates
The lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, typically consisting of 12 months that total about 354 days, making it shorter than the solar calendar. This difference means that lunar months shift in relation to the solar year, causing Islamic holidays to occur on different Gregorian dates each year.
How the Date of Eid is Determined
The date of Eid is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, specifically by the sighting of the moon.
To confirm the dates, religious authorities often rely on moon sighting reports. If the new moon is sighted, Eid is declared; if not, the month is completed with 30 days. Variations in moon sighting can lead to different dates being observed in different countries or communities.
Eid in New Zealand
Eid in New Zealand is celebrated by the Muslim community with various traditions and activities. The main events include communal prayers held in mosques or open spaces such as NZ Eid Day. This is followed by festive meals with family and friends. People often dress in new or traditional clothes, and there’s a focus on charity, with many giving zakat (charitable donations) to those in need.
How is Eid Celebrated?
Common Eid Traditions and Customs
Eid, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, features several common traditions and customs:
- Eid Prayer: The day begins with a special prayer at mosques or open fields, where the community gathers to perform a two-unit prayer.
- Charity (Zakat al-Fitr): Before the Eid prayer, Muslims give to charity, ensuring that those in need can also celebrate the holiday.
- Festive Meals: Families prepare and share special meals, often featuring traditional dishes, sweets, and desserts. It’s a time for feasting and enjoying food together.
- New Clothes: Many people wear new or their best clothes for the occasion.
- Visiting Family and Friends: Eid is a time for socializing, visiting relatives, and exchanging greetings. It strengthens community bonds.
- Gift-Giving: Gifts, especially for children, are common, often including money, books, sweets, or toys.
- Decorations: Homes and mosques may be adorned with art decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere.
- Community Events: Many communities host fairs, festivals, or public celebrations that include entertainment and activities for all ages.
These customs vary by region but all emphasise themes of community, generosity, and gratitude.
The Significance of the Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)
Community and Unity: The prayer fosters a sense of community, as Muslims gather in large numbers, emphasising solidarity and collective worship.
Gratitude and Reflection: It serves as an opportunity for believers to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings received, especially after a month of fasting and devotion during Ramadan.
Spiritual Renewal: The Eid prayer symbolises spiritual renewal and encourages Muslims to seek forgiveness, improve their character and commit to a more righteous life.
Charity and Generosity: Prior to the prayer, it is customary to give Zakat al-Fitr (charity), highlighting the importance of caring for the less fortunate.
Celebration of Faith: The prayer is a celebration of faith, marking important religious milestones and reinforcing the values of Islam.
Sharing and Charity During Eid: Zakat and Sadaqah
During Eid, sharing and charity are emphasised through practices like Zakat and Sadaqah.
Zakat is a mandatory form of almsgiving, representing a specific percentage of a Muslim's wealth that must be given to those in need. It's seen as a form of purification and a way to redistribute wealth within the community.
Sadaqah, on the other hand, is a voluntary charity. It can be given at any time and in any amount, reflecting personal generosity and compassion.
Both Zakat and Sadaqah play crucial roles in fostering a sense of community, helping the less fortunate, and reinforcing the spirit of generosity during the Eid celebrations.
Eid for Children: Celebrations and Gifts
How Families Involve Children in Eid Traditions
Families often involve children in Eid traditions through various engaging activities that help them understand and appreciate the significance of the holiday. These can include preparation, prayer, charity and festive activities.
The Tradition of Giving Eidi (Gifts)
The tradition of giving Eidi involves presenting gifts, usually money or small presents, to children and younger relatives during the Islamic festival of Eid, particularly Eid al-Fitr. This custom symbolises joy, generosity, and the sharing of blessings after a month of fasting. Eidi serves to strengthen familial bonds and create a sense of community, as it encourages giving and gratitude. It also adds to the festive atmosphere of Eid, making it a memorable occasion for children who often look forward to receiving Eidi as a part of the celebration