Twice a year, British Muslim communities come alive for Eid — Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha during the Hajj season. From massive prayer gatherings in parks to three generations squeezed around a dinner table, here's what Eid looks like across the UK.
Eid morning: the prayer
Eid begins with a special congregational prayer shortly after sunrise. The biggest UK gatherings are famous: tens of thousands pray together in Birmingham's Small Heath Park at one of Europe's largest Eid gatherings, and similar events fill parks in London, Manchester, Leeds and Bradford. Arrive early, bring a prayer mat, and don't forget the sunnah of eating something sweet (dates, traditionally) before Eid al-Fitr prayer.
The traditions
- New clothes — or at least your best ones — and perfume for the day.
- Takbirat on the way to prayer: 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah...'
- Eidi — cash gifts for children (the highlight of their year).
- Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before Eid al-Fitr prayer so the poor can celebrate too.
- On Eid al-Adha, the qurbani (sacrifice) is arranged through UK butchers or charities working abroad.
Food, glorious food
Eid tables reflect the diversity of British Islam: biryani and sheer khurma in South Asian homes, mansaf and maqluba in Arab ones, jollof in West African households, baklava everywhere. Many families now mix traditions — a roast dinner with a dhal on the side is a very British Eid.
When is the next Eid?
Eid dates depend on moonsighting, so they're confirmed only a day or two in advance. Our Islamic calendar page tracks the expected dates for the year ahead — check it and plan your annual leave early, because Eid falls on workdays more often than not, and UK schools in many areas now authorise absence for it.