Religious Holy Days
Eid ul-Adha & Eid ul-Fitr
When religious holy days fall during the school year an on-campus prayer service will be arranged. Eid celebrations are also organized with the Muslim Students Association for Muslim students. See the slideshow of images below of MSA Eid Celebrations through the years.
What to Expect?
Eid prayer service is typically held in the morning. Practitioners are encouraged to eat something sweet prior to attending. A sermon is delivered that’s relevant to the Holy Day, which is followed by a special congregational prayer. When the prayer is completed people will hug and wish each other a ‘Happy Eid’ or ‘Eid Mubarak’. A celebratory meal is served, or students will choose to go off-campus to eat at a restaurant. It is common for people to take the day off from school or work for both Holy Days.
What is the difference between the two Holy Days?
Eid ul-Adha marks the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael in the Islamic tradition. Muslims commemorate this sacrifice by sacrificing a goat, cow, camel or other approved animal after the prayer service. The meat is divided into thirds and distributed to friends or family, those in need, and for themselves.
Eid ul-Fitr is the celebration at the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. After Muslims have completed their fasting for Ramadan they have a celebratory feast with their family, friends, and local Muslim community. It is customary to eat sweets on this Holy Day and spend the day with family.
For more information about both Eid Holidays click here.
