The Surprising History of Eid: How Long Has This Holiday Really Been Around?

Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about the title of this article – how long has Eid been a holiday? It’s a great question because when you hear about Eid today, it feels like this massive celebration that’s been around forever. But the truth is a little more complicated than just “since the time of the Prophet.” So let’s dig in and break down the history, the religious origins, and how Eid turned into the public holiday millions of people enjoy today. Whether you’re curious about Eid al‑Fitr or Eid al‑Adha, I’ve got you covered.

First off, a quick clarification. The phrase “how long has Eid been a holiday” can mean two things: (1) How long has the religious observance existed? And (2) How long has it been recognized as an official public holiday in various countries? I’m gonna cover both angles because, honestly, they’re both fascinating. Also, I’m using “Eid” as the general term for the two big Islamic holidays – Eid al‑Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid al‑Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). So let’s get into it.

Religious Origins: When Did Eid Actually Start?

The religious basis for Eid goes all the way back to the 7th century CE, during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). According to Islamic tradition, the first Eid al‑Fitr was celebrated in 624 CE, the second year after the Hijrah (the migration from Mecca to Medina). That’s when the commandment to fast during Ramadan was revealed, and the Prophet instituted the celebration of breaking the fast. Eid al‑Adha came a bit later, tied to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the sacrifice, and it’s also linked to the Hajj pilgrimage. So in a strict religious sense, Eid has been observed for nearly 1,400 years. That’s a seriously long time. But here’s the thing – for most of that history, it wasn’t a “public holiday” in the way we think today. It was a religious festival celebrated within Muslim communities, not necessarily recognized by governments as an official day off.

When Did Eid Become an Official Public Holiday?

That’s where the answer gets really interesting. The recognition of Eid as a public holiday varies hugely by country, and it’s a relatively modern development. For example, in predominantly Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Egypt, Eid has been a public holiday for decades – in some cases since the founding of the modern nation‑state. In Saudi Arabia, Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha have been official holidays since at least the 1930s when the kingdom was established. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim population, Eid has been a national holiday since the country’s independence in 1945. But in non‑Muslim majority countries – like the United States, the UK, Canada, or Australia – Eid only started getting official recognition as a public holiday (or at least a school holiday) much later. Some cities and school districts in the US began adding Eid as a holiday in the early 2000s, but it’s still not a federal holiday. In New York City, for example, public schools have been closed for Eid since 2015. So when someone asks “how long has Eid been a holiday,” the answer depends on where you live. In many Western countries, it’s been less than 20 years. In Muslim‑majority countries, it’s been 70+ years. And the religious observance itself is 1,400 years old. Wild, right?

Why Does This Matter for You?

If you’re planning a trip, a family gathering, or just need to know when to request time off, understanding the history helps you see why Eid dates shift every year (it’s based on the lunar calendar) and why some countries treat it as a bigger deal than others. For example, in the UAE, Eid al‑Fitr can be a 4‑day holiday for the public sector. In the US, it’s usually not a day off unless your employer or school district specifically grants it. So the answer to “how long has Eid been a holiday” is: it depends on which holiday you mean – the religious one or the government‑sanctioned one. And even the government version is still evolving. Just this year, some states in the US have considered bills to make Eid a public school holiday. So the story is still being written.

To sum it all up: The religious celebration of Eid is over 1,400 years old, but the concept of a national public holiday called “Eid” is much younger – often less than a century in most countries. If you want a quick number: for the majority of the world’s Muslims, Eid has been an official holiday for about 50–70 years. For Muslims in Western countries, it’s been a recognized school or public holiday for maybe 10–20 years, and still not everywhere. So next time someone asks you “how long has Eid been a holiday?” you can drop some serious knowledge on them. And if you’ve got more questions – like why the date changes every year, or how different cultures celebrate – just hit me up. Your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help.

Public Holiday Calendar thanks you for reading! I hope this article helped you fully understand how long Eid has been a holiday – from its ancient religious roots to its modern‑day public status. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us. Happy celebrating!