Eid celebrations mark the end of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar - the month of Ramadan. Eid is a celebration of the month-long fasting, regarded as one of the obligations in the religion of Islam. Eid celebrations comprise a congregational prayer and the morning prayer, which is usually followed by exchanging gifts, visiting each other, and other rejoicing. People give money to charities to help the sick and the poor.
Eid ul-Fitr is observed to indicate the beginning of the new month, following Ramadan - the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. It is usually celebrated on the first of Shawaal, or the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. As soon as the arrival of the new moon is announced by Mecca's religious officials, the information is sent all over the world and the Eid celebrations begin.
Elaborate meals, finest clothes, and friendly visits are integral attributes of the holiday. People express joy for strength and health, given to them by Allah. On this day they forget ill feelings towards others and open themselves for love and sympathy. The most important part of Ramzan Eid celebrations is the community prayer, held in the open space. After this comes the time for Ibadat, or prayer, known as Munajat to the Almighty Allah. Every member of the Muslim community is supposed to give alms to the poor before proceeding to the place where Eid Prayer is held. Wheat or other grain must comprise half of alms. People, who give alms on this day are believed to go to heaven after death.
The rest of the day is spent in visiting relatives and friends, as well as feasting and going to the fairs.
Regarded as the holiest festival for Muslims, Eid ul-Adha is one of two Eid celebrations, held on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja, and coinciding with the pilgrimage to Mecca. The festival commemorates willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to Allah. People believe that Ibrahim saw God in a dream, telling him to give his son Isma'il as a sacrifice.
While they were going to Mina, devils tried to persuade Ibrahim to disobey God. However he remained true to God and was rewarded. God gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead of his son.
Unlike Eid ul-Fitr, which is a one-day holiday, Eid ul-Adha is celebrated during four days. The main part of the holiday is the prayer, which occurs on the first day of Eid ul-Adha.
Many people sacrifice domestic animals as a symbol of Ibrahim' s sacrifice. The meat is divided then among relatives, neighbors, hungry, and poor. No Muslim must be left without sacrificed food during the holiday.
Eid ul-Adha is also known as Kurban Bayrami (from Turkish - Sacrifice Feast) and Hari Raya in the countries of West Africa, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is seen as a public holiday with the offices, schools, and shops being closed.