Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: dates, meaning and Sunnah
Islam has two Eids: Eid al-Fitr, which ends Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice during Hajj. In 2027 they are expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027 and Sunday, 16 May 2027 in the UK. Here is how they differ, what Muslims do on each, and the Sunnahs of the day.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
The two Eids compared
| Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The festival of breaking the fast | The festival of sacrifice |
| When | 1 Shawwal, after Ramadan | 10 Dhul-Hijjah, during Hajj |
| Expected in 2027 (UK) | Tuesday, 9 March 2027 | Sunday, 16 May 2027 |
| Remembers | Completing the month of fasting | Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and the Hajj |
| Special charity | Zakat al-fitr, before the prayer | Qurbani (udhiyah): sacrificing an animal and sharing the meat |
| Eating before the prayer | Sunnah to eat dates first | Sunnah to eat after the prayer |
| Takbir | From the sighting of the moon until the prayer | From Fajr of the Day of ‘Arafah until ‘Asr of 13 Dhul-Hijjah, after prayers |
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he said: “Allah has replaced them for you with two better days: the day of Adha and the day of Fitr” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134, graded sahih).
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” (Sahih al-Bukhari 969). They end with the Day of ‘Arafah, expected on Saturday, 15 May 2027 in 2027, and Eid al-Adha. Fasting ‘Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year (Sahih Muslim 1162). Those planning to give qurbani should not cut their hair or nails from the start of Dhul-Hijjah until they have sacrificed (Sahih Muslim 1977).
How to spend Eid
- Ghusl, best clothes and perfume; then the Eid prayer.
- Say the takbir on the way and greet others.
- Visit family, give gifts to children, and include neighbours and those alone.
- On Eid al-Fitr, make sure your zakat al-fitr is paid before the prayer.
For the Islamic year and its other key dates, see the Islamic calendar; for Ramadan, Ramadan 2027 UK; for Hajj, Hajj step by step.
Frequently asked questions
When is Eid 2027 in the UK?
Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027 and Eid al-Adha on Sunday, 16 May 2027, following the Umm al-Qura calendar. Mosques following local moon sighting may celebrate a day later.
What do you say on Eid?
The Companions greeted each other with “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you). “Eid Mubarak” (blessed Eid) is also widely used and is fine.
What is qurbani and who must give it?
Qurbani (udhiyah) is sacrificing a sheep, goat, or a share of a cow or camel after the Eid al-Adha prayer. It is wajib in the Hanafi school for adults with wealth above the nisab, and a strongly emphasised sunnah in the other schools. In the UK, most families arrange it through a charity, often abroad.
Can I fast on Eid?
No. Fasting on the two days of Eid is forbidden (Sahih al-Bukhari 1990). Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah, the day before Eid al-Adha, is highly recommended for those not on Hajj.
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