How do I know which day Eid is?
It depends on the moon, so the simplest way is to follow your local mosque. Eid al-Fitr starts when the new crescent moon of Shawwal is sighted (or Ramadan completes 30 days), and Eid al-Adha is the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. Most mosques announce the date the evening before, or weeks ahead if they use calculations.
Why the date isn't fixed
The Islamic calendar is lunar. Each month begins with the new crescent, and a month is either 29 or 30 days. The Prophet ﷺ described the month as "sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1913). Because lunar years are shorter, both Eids move about 11 days earlier each year on the Western calendar.
For Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the rule is simple: the Prophet ﷺ told people to start fasting when they see the new moon of Ramadan, to stop when they see the new moon of Shawwal, and if the sky is cloudy, to fast thirty days (Sahih Muslim 1081). See Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
How it works in practice
- Eid al-Fitr: on the evening of the 29th of Ramadan, people look for the moon. If it's seen (locally or in a country your mosque follows), Eid is the next day. If not, Ramadan runs 30 days and Eid is the day after. This is why many people only know the night before.
- Eid al-Adha: it's set when Dhul Hijjah begins, so the date is usually known about 10 days ahead.
- Calculation: some councils, such as the Fiqh Council of North America, use astronomical calculation, so their dates are published months in advance.
Different mosques can therefore end up on different days. Both are acting in good faith, so follow your local community and stay kind about the difference.
Where to check
- Your local mosque: its website, WhatsApp group, Instagram or Facebook page. This is the best source for prayer times too.
- National bodies: many countries have a moon-sighting committee or a council of mosques that announces the date.
- Apps: prayer apps (like Muslim Pro or Athan) show estimated dates, but they may not match your mosque. Treat them as a guide.
Planning when you don't know the exact day
For work or school, ask for both possible days off, or say "Eid will be on day X or day X+1, depending on the moon". Most employers and teachers understand once it's explained. See Can I ask for exam dates to be moved for Eid?
- Eid follows the lunar calendar and moves about 11 days earlier each year.
- Eid al-Fitr depends on sighting the moon or completing 30 days.
- Your local mosque is the easiest guide.
- Plan for two possible days when asking for time off.
People also ask
What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
It depends on your means. Qurbani is the Eid al-Adha sacrifice: Hanafis say it's obligatory if you can afford it, most others a strong Sunnah.
Read the full answer →Why do Muslims celebrate Eid on different days?
It depends on the method: local moon sighting, global sighting or calculation. All have scholarly support, so follow your community.
Read the full answer →Can I play music and games on Eid?
Yes, games are welcome on Eid, and singing with the daff is backed by authentic hadith. Scholars differ on other instruments. No gambling.
Read the full answer →Can I celebrate Eid with my non-Muslim spouse?
Yes, a non-Muslim husband or wife can share Eid: the meal, gifts, visits and fun. How to explain Eid and plan the day together.
Read the full answer →How can I make Eid special as a convert?
Yes, you can make Eid special as a convert: follow the Eid morning sunnah, then build your own traditions, gifts, food and giving.
Read the full answer →