What are the main Islamic festivals? Islam has two festivals, or Eids: Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha during the season of Hajj. Around them sit other special days and nights in the Islamic year, such as Laylat al-Qadr and the Day of Arafah. This guide explains each one, how it is marked, and how Islamic festivals are celebrated by families today.
The Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is lunar, with 12 months of 29 or 30 days, each beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Because a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a solar year, Islamic festivals move earlier through the seasons each year.
Two Festivals Given by Allah
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, the people there had two days of games from pre-Islamic times. He said: “Allah has substituted for them something better than them, the day of sacrifice and the day of the breaking of the fast” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134, graded Sahih by Al-Albani on sunnah.com).
1. Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month, in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is a month of prayer, Qur’an recitation, charity and family iftars. Read more in our guide to the fourth pillar of Islam.
2. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
Laylat al-Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Qur’an says:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
— Qur’an 97:3, Saheeh International (quran.com)
Many Muslims spend these nights in extra prayer and supplication.
3. Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr (“the festival of breaking the fast”) is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr so that people in need can celebrate too. The day begins with a special congregational prayer, followed by visits to family and friends, new or best clothes, food and gifts, especially for children.
4. The Day of Arafah
On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims stand in prayer on the plain of Arafah. Muslims who are not on Hajj are encouraged to fast. Asked about this fast, the Prophet ﷺ said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year” (Sahih Muslim 1162b).
5. Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (“the festival of sacrifice”) falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It recalls Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey Allah. Muslims attend the Eid prayer, and those who can afford it offer a sacrifice (qurbani), sharing the meat with family, neighbours and people in need. Learn about Hajj in our guide to the fifth pillar of Islam.
6. The Islamic New Year and Ashura
The Islamic year begins with the month of Muharram. The 10th of Muharram is called Ashura. Asked about fasting on that day, the Prophet ﷺ said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year” (Sahih Muslim 1162b).
7. Jumu’ah: The Weekly Gathering
Every Friday, Muslims gather for the Jumu’ah prayer and sermon at midday. For many families it is a weekly highlight, and many Muslims read Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays; see our guide to Quran stories.
A Note on Other Occasions
Some Muslims also mark other days, such as the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid). Scholars differ on whether such occasions should be celebrated, so practice varies between communities. We recommend asking a qualified scholar you trust.
Celebrating Islamic Festivals at Home
- Decorate together: lanterns, crescent garlands and handmade cards; see our Islamic crafts ideas.
- Give: Zakat al-Fitr, sadaqah and gifts for children and neighbours.
- Share food: invite neighbours, including non-Muslim friends, to an iftar or Eid meal.
- Teach the meaning: tell children why each day matters, not just how it is celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Islamic festivals are there?
There are two Eids, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Other days, such as the Day of Arafah and Ashura, are special occasions rather than festivals.
Why do Islamic festivals change date every year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Islamic festivals move about 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Takbir for Eid
On the days of Eid, Muslims repeat the takbir, “Allahu Akbar” (“Allah is the Greatest”). It makes a beautiful centrepiece for Islamic festivals at home.
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