How many holidays do Muslims have?
It depends on what you count, but Islam has two official holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. On top of those, Friday is a weekly "mini Eid", and there are several special days and nights for extra worship, like Laylat al-Qadr, the Day of Arafah and Ashura. Some other days, like the Prophet's birthday, are celebrated by many Muslims but are debated.
The two Eids
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina, the people had two days of games from pre-Islamic times. He said Allah had replaced them with something better: the day of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) and the day of breaking the fast (Eid al-Fitr) (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134). On another Eid he told Abu Bakr that every nation has its festival and this is ours (Sahih al-Bukhari 952).
- Eid al-Fitr: one day, at the end of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha: about two months later, during Hajj. The Day of Arafah before it and the three days after it are also described as "our festival" (Sunan Abi Dawud 2419).
See What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Friday: the weekly Eid
The Prophet ﷺ called Friday "an 'Eid (festival) which Allah has ordained for the Muslims" and encouraged taking a bath and wearing perfume for it (Sunan Ibn Majah 1098). It isn't a day off like a weekend, but it has the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) and its own sunnahs.
Special days that aren't "holidays"
These are times for extra worship rather than parties:
- Ramadan: the month of fasting, with Laylat al-Qadr in its last ten nights.
- The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: including the Day of Arafah, a recommended fast for those not on Hajj.
- Ashura: the 10th of Muharram, a recommended fast.
- Islamic New Year: the 1st of Muharram.
Days Muslims disagree about
Some occasions are widely marked in parts of the Muslim world, but scholars differ on celebrating them:
- The Mawlid (the Prophet's birthday): many scholars allow it as an expression of love and gratitude; others see it as an innovation since the early generations didn't mark it.
- Isra and Mi'raj, and the 15th of Shaban: remembered by many, but special set rituals for them are disputed.
As for Western holidays like Christmas or birthdays, see Can I celebrate my birthday after becoming Muslim?
- Islam has two official festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
- Friday is called a weekly Eid.
- Ramadan, Arafah and Ashura are special worship times.
- Mawlid and similar days are debated among scholars.
People also ask
Can women go to the Eid prayer?
Yes, and they're strongly encouraged. The Prophet told women and girls to come out on Eid, even on their period, to join the takbir.
Read the full answer →Do I have to pray the Eid prayer?
It depends on the school: Hanafis say it's obligatory for men, others a strong sunnah or communal duty. Make a real effort to go.
Read the full answer →Do I have to buy new clothes for Eid?
No, new clothes for Eid aren't required. The sunnah is to wear your best, and that can be something you own. Never take on debt for it.
Read the full answer →What should I wear on Eid as a Muslim?
Yes, wear your best clothes on Eid, as long as they're modest. They don't need to be new or cultural: smart, clean and modest is right.
Read the full answer →How do I pray the Eid prayer?
Yes, it's easy: two rak'at behind an imam in the morning, with extra takbirs and no adhan, then a short sermon. Just follow the imam.
Read the full answer →