The first day of the lunar month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan, is known as `Eid Al-Fitr. This `eid (Islamic public celebration) is known in some places by the Turkish name Bairam. It is sometimes called the Lesser `Eid or Lesser Bairam because it lasts only one day, whereas `Eid Al-Adha, during the Hajj season, lasts for three days.

`Eid Al-Fitr is a happy occasion for Muslims. They come to the `Eid Prayers with a sense of accomplishment for having fasted the month of Ramadan and for coming closer to Allah. It is a time for sharing zakat al-fitr with the poorest of the poor. (Zakat al-fitr must be paid before the `Eid Prayers.) It is a time for Muslim families and friends to worship and celebrate together.

There are two Islamic public celebrations each year. These are `Eid Al-Fitr (also known as the Lesser Bairam, a name from Turkish) at the end of Ramadan and `Eid Al-Adha (also known as the Greater Bairam) during the Hajj season. These celebrations begin with special congregational Prayers (salah) followed by a sermon called a khutbah. The Prayers are held between sunrise and noon, usually early in the morning.

It is a highly recommended sunnah to attend these Prayers. It is also sunnah to hold them outside of the mosque, such as in a park, if possible. It is sunnah to make ghusl (cleansing of the body) before attending, and to wear one’s best clean clothes, even new clothes if possible. Men (but not women) should also apply perfume before the Prayers.

Women who are unable to perform salah (ritual Prayer) should attend the `Eid Prayer and sit in the back behind those who are praying so that they can enjoy the festivities of the day.

People usually gather for this Prayer early and sit beforehand reciting aloud the Takbir, which is a sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

There is no Adhan or Iqamah (the second call to Prayer) for the `Eid Prayer.

The Prayer itself consists of two rak`ahs, which the imam says aloud. Before the first rak`ah the imam raises his hands to his ears and says “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest) seven times. The congregants should raise their hands to their ears and repeat after him. Before the second rak`ah the imam says “Allahu Akbar” in the same way but only five times.

After the Prayer the congregants should sit and listen to the sermon. When it finishes, they should exchange greetings and wish each other a happy `Eid. There is usually some sort of celebration after the Prayers—such as sweets shared or games for the children—according to local custom.

`Eid Al-Fitr should be a happy time for all Muslims. In Muslim countries there are often special foods or customs associated with `Eid. Many converts adapt their old customs (such as holiday cookies and gifts for children) to `Eid, and there is nothing wrong with this as long as it is done in moderation and the focus remains on the spiritual meaning of `Eid.

The Days Of Eid

Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid-ul-Fitr occurs on the 1st of Shawaal. It is a day of joy for those who have kept Fast during the Blessed Month of Ramadaan.

Eid-ul-Adha: Eid-ul-Adha occurs on the 10th Zil-Hajj. It is a day when Qurbaani (sacrifice) is performed by all those who can afford it. Qurbaani is done to honour the Sunnah of Ibrahim (as) and Isma'il (as). On this day Almighty Allah commanded Ibrahim (as) to sacrifice his son, Isma'il (as) to test his faith to the limit. As Ibrahim (as) was about to sacrifice his son, his son was replaced by a sheep by God since he had passed the trial, and his son lived.  (Read more about this story in the Prophets page on Ibrahim(as) page)

The Sunnah Actions on the Day of Eid

1. One should wake up early.
2. One should eat something before Eid Salaah on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
3. It is Mustahab for those who are sacrificing an animal not to eat anything on the morning of Eid-ul-Adha till they sacrifice the animal and partake of the meat of the sacrificed animal.
4. One should make Ghusal, wear new clothes and use Itr before going for Eid Salaah.
5. One should give "Sadqa-e-Fitr" or charity before the Eid Salaah or a few days earlier.
6. One should show happiness and give charity in abundance.
7. One should try and be as early as possible in the Masjid or Eid Gah (open ground for performing Eid Salaah).
8. One should read the Takbeer softly while going to the Masjid or Eid Gah on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
9. The Takbeer should be read loudly on the day of Eid-ul-Adha.
10. One should partake of the Qurbaani meat on Eid-ul-Adha.
11. It is preferable that one uses different routes in traveling to and from the Masjid or Eid Gah.

The Time of Eid Salaah

1. The time of Eid Salaah begins just after sunrise and continues up to Zawaal.
2. No Nafil Salaah should be read before the Eid Salaah.
3. No Azaan or Iqaamah is given for Eid Salaah.

Method of Performing the Eid Salaah

1. Eid Salaah is Waajib. Both Eid Salaah consists of 2 Rakaah with Jamaah.
2. Make the Niyyah (intention) of reading 2 Rakaah behind the Imaam with 6 extra Takbeers.
3. Read the first Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) with the Imaam and fold your hands as in ordinary Salaah. Then read Sana. (check prayers page for how to recite it)
4. The Imaam will then read two more Takbeers. For both these Takbeers, raise the hands and leave them at the side.
5. The Imaam will then read the third Takbeer. Raise the hands and fold them.
6. The Imaam will then read Surah Fatiha and a Surah, and complete the first Rakaah.
7. In the second rakaah, the Imaam will read the Surah Fatiha and a Surah. He will then read 3 extra Takbeers. At each Takbeer you will raise the hands and leave them at the side. After the fourth Takbeer, you must go into Ruku.
8. The rest of the Salaah follows.

The Eid Khutbah

1. The Khutbah of both the Eids is read after the Eid Salaah.
2. The Khutbah is Sunnah and it is Waajib to listen to them.
3. The Khutbah, which has two parts, is delivered by the Imaam.
4. There is a short break between the Khutbah.
5. During Khutbah, all talking or reading is forbidden.

The Difference Between Eid and Jummah Salaah

1. Jummah Salaah is Fard, while Eid Salaah is Waajib.
2. In Jummah, Khutbah is read before the Salaah, while in Eid, Khutbah is read after the Salaah.
3. Jummah Salaah has no extra Takbeers, while Eid Salaah has six extra Takbeers.
4. Jummah Salaah has Azaan and Iqaamah, while Eid Salaah has no Azaan and Iqaamah.
5. Jummah Salaah is performed after midday, while Eid Salaah is read before midday.