An Idiot’s Guide to Eid
By Sajid Iqbal
Editor, The Revival
Published in the Oldham Evening Chronicle
What is Eid?
Eid is a festival celebrated throughout the world by all Muslims.
Is Eid just like Christmas?
Eid you could say is similar to Christians celebrating Christmas. Both are religious festivals but the reasons for celebrating them are different.
How many Eids do Muslims have?
Muslims celebrate two Eids a year: Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
Eid Al-Fitr is the first Eid which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a month in which Muslims fast every day from dawn till dusk.
The second Eid celebration of the year is called Eid Al-Adha. It commemorates the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage and the sacrifices made by Prophet Abraham.
Why is Eid sometimes celebrated on different days?
Muslims follow a lunar calendar. The difference in opinion lies with the beginning of each month, as the horizon is always cloudy in the UK. One view is to begin the month when the moon is actually sighted while the other is to do so by using calculations or astronomical aids. This is why Eid can be celebrated on different days.
How do Muslims celebrate Eid?
In the morning everyone attends the Eid prayer at the mosque. Every individual pays a minimum amount of money to charity for the poor before offering the Eid prayer. Muslims try to remember the dead by visiting graveyards to offer prayers and remember loved ones. The rest of the day is spent in feasting at home and visiting friends and relatives.
How do the Muslim youth celebrate Eid?
Everyone celebrates Eid in their own way. Most start the day visiting friends and family and then it can be anything from going for a meal, an outing, bowling, theme parks, go-karting, paint balling or even travelling abroad. Some choose to spend the day with family and go out as a family.
Is gathering on Wilmslow Road in hired cars part of Eid?
No, however hiring cars on Eid amongst the youth is a popular trend. Most youngsters want to have a fun day and hire cars to go on day trips. Some do visit Wilmslow road as it has become a centre point for youngsters to get together, eat and celebrate. It can be loud and chaotic which is a big reason why a lot of people do stay away from Wilmslow Road on Eid night.
Why is Eid so important to Muslims?
Eid for Muslims is a time of celebration. Eid for Muslims is a time of unity. Eid for Muslims is an act of worship towards God. Eid for Muslims is a celebration of the symbol of being clean from your sins and bad deeds. Eid for Muslims is a time when they remember the poor. Eid for Muslims is a time when they invite their non-Muslim neighbours, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities.
*Sajid Iqbal is Editor of The Revival Magazine, a free national Muslim Youth magazine. For more details see www.therevival.co.uk or get in touch on
editor@therevival.co.uk