Eid ul Fitr vs Eid ul Adha — Meaning, Difference, Days Gap & Islamic Significance
Eid ul Fitr vs Eid ul Adha — Meaning, Difference, Celebration & Islamic Significance (2025)
If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha, how many days apart they are, or why Muslims celebrate both — this article will explain everything clearly. We’ll also clarify the confusion between Eid al-Adha vs Eid ul-Adha and Eid al-Fitr vs Eid ul-Fitr, so you can understand their true meaning and importance in Islam.
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What is Eid ul Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr (also written as Eid al-Fitr) is the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal — the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
It is a day of gratitude, charity, and joy. Muslims offer the special prayer known as Salat al-Eid, give Zakat al-Fitr (charity) to the needy, and celebrate with family and friends.
What is Eid ul Adha?
Eid ul-Adha (also called Eid al-Adha) is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah. Instead, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed in his place.
Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah — the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar — right after the completion of Hajj (pilgrimage) in Makkah.
Eid ul Fitr vs Eid ul Adha — Key Differences
| Feature | Eid ul Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) | Eid ul Adha (Eid al-Adha) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Festival of Breaking the Fast | Festival of Sacrifice |
| Occurs In | 1st day of Shawwal (after Ramadan) | 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah (after Hajj) |
| Associated With | End of fasting month (Ramadan) | Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and Hajj |
| Rituals | Charity (Zakat al-Fitr), Eid prayer, feasting | Animal sacrifice (Qurbani), Eid prayer, distribution of meat |
| Duration | 1 to 3 days (varies by country) | 3 to 4 days (main festival of Hajj) |
| Type of Eid | Joy after spiritual fasting | Commemoration of obedience and sacrifice |
How Many Days Difference Between Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?
There are roughly about 70 days between Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Eid ul-Fitr falls in Shawwal (10th month), and Eid ul-Adha in Dhul-Hijjah (12th month). However, the exact number can vary slightly depending on the lunar calendar sighting.
3 Types of Eid in Islam
- Eid ul-Fitr — Celebrated after Ramadan.
- Eid ul-Adha — Celebrated after Hajj.
- Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) — Considered a weekly Eid for Muslims.
Why is Eid ul Fitr Celebrated?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated to express gratitude to Allah for giving Muslims the strength to fast during Ramadan. It is a day of forgiveness, unity, and generosity. Muslims visit mosques, offer Eid prayers, and enjoy festive meals with loved ones.
Is it “Eid ul Fitr” or “Eid al Fitr”? Likewise, “Eid ul Adha” or “Eid al Adha”?
Both forms are correct. The difference arises from Arabic transliteration:
- Eid al-Fitr — Arabic style (“al” = “the”)
- Eid ul-Fitr — Urdu/Persian style (“ul” = “the”)
So, Eid ul-Adha and Eid al-Adha refer to the same festival — just written differently based on linguistic traditions.
Common Misconceptions About Eid Festivals
- Both Eids are not the same: Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan; Eid ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj.
- Both have unique prayers and traditions.
- Charity is essential in both Eids — Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayer, and distribution of Qurbani meat in Eid al-Adha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many days is Eid al-Fitr?
A: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for 1 to 3 days, depending on the country.
Q2: How many days is Eid al-Adha?
A: Eid al-Adha lasts for about 3 to 4 days during the Hajj season.
Q3: What is the main difference between Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?
A: Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the end of fasting (Ramadan), while Eid ul-Adha honors the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
Q4: What are the 3 types of Eid?
A: Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Jumu’ah (Friday) — which is regarded as a weekly Eid.
Q5: How many days apart are Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?
A: Around 70 days apart, as per the lunar Islamic calendar.
Q6: What is celebrated more — Eid ul Fitr or Eid ul Adha?
A: Both are equally important, but Eid ul-Adha is considered the greater Eid (Eid al-Kabir), while Eid ul-Fitr is the lesser Eid (Eid al-Saghir).
Conclusion
To sum up, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are the two main Islamic festivals that symbolize gratitude and sacrifice. While Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the completion of fasting, Eid ul-Adha commemorates the spirit of obedience and charity. Both unite Muslims worldwide in faith, compassion, and joy.