Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break fast"; and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. It is celebrated after the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal. Eid ul-Fitr lasts for three days of celebration and is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" (Arabic: العيد الصغير)

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.

After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday.

Eid el-Adha

Eid el-Adha that lasts four days and is called the "Greater Eid" (Arabic: العيد الكبير ). Ibrahim, known as Abraham in the Christian and Jewish traditions, was commanded by God to sacrifice his adult son. He obeyed and took Ishmael (Ismail or Ismael) to Mount Moriah. Just as he was to sacrifice his son, an angel stopped him and gave him a ram to sacrifice in place of his son. these events are remembered and celebrated at Eid al-Adha.

Eid el-Adha is an officially observed religious holiday that precedes the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Islam's holiest sites.

Eid el-Adha, is one of Islam's most important celebrations, announcing the beginning of the Hajj, the celebrated yearly pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Muslims from around the world congregate in Mecca for a ritual that is required at least once in a lifetime of all Muslims. It is appropriate to offer flextime for this holiday, which is an official and high holy occasion for observant Muslims.

Muslims may wish to travel to Mecca at this time, though most stay in the country and observe Eid el-Adha within their local Muslim community. It is a good idea to discuss scheduling arrangements with the others. As this and other holidays are dependent on the lunar calendar, Muslim must approximate as close as possible the days they will need off. They may be unable to solidify arrangements until the holiday nears and the lunar cycles can be more specifically determined. Muslims around the world try to keep each other informed on the moon's cycles so they may plan such observances more precisely. Some Muslim may not insist on time off if their family members are constricted by their work situations from doing the same.