The Eid Moon
Muslims celebrate two Eids- Eid-ul-Fitar and Eid-ul-Azha every year. Both are considered happy and "holy" days. Both are days of rejoicing and prayer.

The Shawal moon announces the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitar. It is the end of Ramazan, the holy month of fasting. The next morning, the Muslims assemble in a great thanks-giving congregation. They thank the merciful Allah for giving them the opportunity and strength to observe the sacred fasts. They ask Him to forgive them for their weaknesses and sins. They reaffirm their vow of faithfulness to Allah.

The evening when the moon is expected to appear, is a memorable evening. As the sun goes down, the faithful break their fast and offer the Nimaz-e-Maghrib. They rush to the roofs of their houses and join the search for the Shawal moon. They turn their eyes towards the western horizon. On every house top there are scores of people, all scanning the sky with keen, expectant eyes.

After the Shawal moon is sighted, people raise their hands in prayers. Children are particularly fond and excited about seeing the Eid Moon. As they sight it, their faces usually light up with joy. Dinner is eaten in a joyous mood and plans for the next days are made. What would everyone wear and what will be the menu for the food. Many people hit the roads to go to their loved ones if they live in another city. Women especially go to markets to buy bangles and the Eid specaility "mehndi or henna". Different food stalls are instantly put up and a joyous atmosphere is everywhere.

The moon of Zil Haj is the harbinger of Eid-ul-Azha. This festival is celebrated ten days after the appearance of the moon. It commemorates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ismail by his father Hazrat Ibrahim. Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son to Him. Ibrahim willingly put the knife on his son's neck but Allah saved Ismail and by a miracle, Hazrat Ismail was replaced by a sheep. Ibrahim and Ismail had stood the test of faithfulness.

Muslims sacrifice sheep, cows or camels on Eid-ul-Azha. The day is a busy, happy and a memorable day for all.