Introduction
Ramadan and Eid are considered among the most important religious occasions in Islam, and both carry significance that reflect the value of worship. Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed, and it is a month for fasting and spiritual reflection where Muslims perform many religious rituals. However, some people wonder what’s the difference between Eid and Ramadan and what happens during each of them, which is what we will learn in this article.
What is the Month of Ramadan?
To understand what’s the difference between Eid and Ramadan, you must know that Ramadan is a month of the Hijri year and is the ninth in order. The virtue of the month of Ramadan among Muslims stems from it being the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet, peace be upon him. It contains a night better than a thousand months, which is Laylat al-Qadr. One of the most important religious rituals that Muslims perform in the month of Ramadan is fasting, which is the abstention from food, drink, and all things that break the fast from dawn until sunset.
What Happens During Ramadan?
The Messenger of Allah PBUH said:
“إِذَا جَاءَ رَمَضَانُ فُتِّحَتْ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ، وَغُلِّقَتْ أَبْوَابُ النَّارِ، وَسُلْسِلَتِ الشَّيَاطِينُ”
“When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of the (Hell) Fire are closed, and the devils are chained.”
This is evidence that devils are chained in the month of Ramadan so they refrain from harming Muslims. It is a great opportunity for worship. Muslims perform the Taraweeh prayer and engage in Itikaf in the mosque during the last ten days of the month, along with many other acts of worship.
Regarding the body, fasting provides significant health benefits. It gives the digestive system a period of rest, helps regulate eating habits, and grants the body mental, physical, and spiritual peace.
If you seek to invest in the month of Ramadan more deeply by understanding acts of worship and their rulings correctly, joining an Islamic Studies course could be an important step to help you learn the basics of religion in a simplified and systematic way.
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When Does Ramadan Begin?
Muslims determine the start of the month of Ramadan once they sight the crescent moon. After investigating the crescent on the night of the 29th of the month of Sha’ban, the following day becomes the first day of Ramadan if they see the moon. If they do not confirm the sighting of the crescent, Sha’ban completes 30 days and then the month of Ramadan begins. The date differs from one year to another according to the sighting of the crescent. Muslims around the world wait for the announcement of the start of the holy month of Ramadan because of the high spirituality it fosters.
What is Eid?
In Arabic terminology, Eid refers to everything that returns and repeats. For Muslims, the word Eid is linked to occasions in which they celebrate and show joy and pleasure. The primary goal of Muslim Eids is to enhance affection and compassion among people.
When is Eid Celebrated?
To know what’s the difference between Eid and Ramadan, one must look at the timing of the celebration. Muslims celebrate the blessed Eid al-Fitr on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Hijri calendar. It is a reward that God gave to Muslims after they fasted the holy month. During this time, they exchange congratulations, visit relatives, and wear new clothes. Muslims begin their celebration on the day of Eid with prayer.
Types of Eid in Islam
Muslims have two main Eids:
Eid al-Fitr
It is one of the important occasions for Muslims, and its legal duration is one day, although the manifestations of celebration may extend for several days according to local customs. It serves as a reward for Muslims after fasting the month of Ramadan. It is recommended to gather with family and friends, and Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
Eid al-Adha
This Eid is determined on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Hijri year. Muslims celebrate it to commemorate the sacrifice of Ibrahim, peace be upon him, when he saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his son Ismail, so God ransomed him with a great sacrifice. One of the most important aspects of celebrating it is the Udhiyah, which involves slaughtering an animal from livestock such as a sheep, cow, or camel and distributing it to the poor and relatives.
How Do Muslims Celebrate Eid?
Muslims celebrate Eids in many ways to show joy and pleasure at its arrival. The Takbirat of Eid begin from the night of Eid, then Muslims perform the Eid prayer and wear their most beautiful clothes after performing ghusl and wearing perfume. Manifestations of celebration also include visiting parents, relatives, and friends or going out for picnics and making special Eid foods such as Kahk or biscuits.
What’s the Difference Between Eid and Ramadan?
The following table clarifies the answer to the question, what’s the difference between Eid and Ramadan:
| Feature | Ramadan | Eid al-Fitr |
| Duration | Lasts for a whole month | One day, though the celebration lasts three days |
| Fasting | Fasting is obligatory for Muslims | Fasting is prohibited for Muslims |
| Timing | Sighting the crescent moon of Ramadan on 29 Sha’ban | Sighting the crescent moon of Shawwal on 29 Ramadan |
| Charity | Increasing general charity and good deeds | Charity can be given during Eid |
| Zakat | Zakat al-Mal is given by those for whom it is due | Zakat al-Fitr is given before the Eid prayer |
| Prayers | The five daily prayers, Taraweeh, and Tahajjud | The five daily prayers and the Eid prayer |
While discussing differences between Ramadan and Eid, many ask, Do you have to pray taraweeh everyday in Ramadan, especially since Taraweeh is performed nightly in Ramadan unlike the one-time Eid prayer.
By understanding the difference between Ramadan and Eid, a Muslim realizes that Ramadan is a season for spiritual elevation and building a stronger relationship with the Holy Quran. Therefore, starting a Quran Memorization course may be a practical step to continue this spiritual effect even after the holy month ends. Eid is not the end of worship but a new beginning to continue the path with steadfastness and correct knowledge.
FAQs
What happens when a girl gets her period during Ramadan?
A girl who gets her period during the month of Ramadan must stop fasting and praying, but she must make up these days after the holy month ends.
Do people say “Happy Eid” or “Happy Ramadan”?
It is common among Muslims to say “Happy Eid” because of its aspects of joy and celebration. For Ramadan, it is a month for worship, and the term “Ramadan Kareem” is commonly used.
Which is more important, Ramadan or Eid?
Each has its own importance for Muslims. Ramadan is a season for obedience and worship in which God prescribed fasting and revealed the Quran. Eid is the prize and joy that God designated for Muslims.
Conclusion
Some people ask what’s the difference between Eid and Ramadan, especially since each is an important occasion in the life of Muslims. Each has its own character and distinct meanings, and each has its effect on the souls of Muslims. Ramadan is a month for spirituality and worship, while Eid is a time for renewing social bonds and bringing joy to hearts. If you wish to develop your level in reading the Quran, begin memorizing it, or understand your religion more deeply through an organized curriculum, Rattil Online Academy provides specialized educational programs suitable for all ages and levels. Contact the academy now and start your spiritual journey with a practical and studied step.
