Advertisement

Can I break a voluntary fast for an Eid invitation?

Table set for formal dinner, Castle Drogo
Photo: David Hawgood, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, you can break a voluntary fast to accept an Eid invitation. The Prophet ﷺ himself broke voluntary fasts when food was offered, and pleasing your host on Eid is a good reason. Just remember that fasting on the day of Eid itself isn't allowed at all, so the question only comes up on the days after.

First: no fasting on Eid day

Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid al-Fitr and the day of Eid al-Adha (Sahih al-Bukhari 1990). The three days after Eid al-Adha, the days of tashriq, are also "days of eating and drinking and remembering Allah" (Sahih Muslim 1141), so most scholars say not to fast them either. See Can I fast on the day of Eid?

So the real situation is usually this: Eid al-Fitr has passed, you've started your six days of Shawwal (Sahih Muslim 1164) or a Monday fast, and someone invites you to a late Eid lunch.

A voluntary fast is flexible

  • The Prophet ﷺ did it. One day he asked Aisha whether there was any food at home. She said someone had given them hays (a date dish). He said, "Show it to me, I woke up fasting," and then he ate (Sahih Muslim 1154).
  • He approved of it for others. Salman visited Abu ad-Darda, who was fasting voluntarily, and told him to eat with him. The Prophet ﷺ later said Salman was right (Sahih al-Bukhari 1968).
  • Accepting invitations matters. He said that when you're invited, accept; if you're fasting, make dua for your host, and if not, eat (Sahih Muslim 1431).

So you can either sit with them and make dua without eating, or break the fast, especially if your host would be hurt. Both are fine.

Do I have to make it up?

Scholars differ here. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools say making up a broken voluntary fast is recommended but not required. The Hanafi school says you should make it up, and the Maliki school says you must if you broke it without a valid reason (many count a host's insistence as one). If you want to be safe, fast another day later; it's an easy extra reward.

This does not apply to obligatory fasts

If you're making up a missed Ramadan day or fasting for an oath, you should not break it for an invitation. Politely explain, join the gathering, and eat after sunset. See What are the voluntary fasts in Islam?

Key points
  • No fasting on the day of Eid, and most say not on the days of tashriq.
  • You may break a voluntary fast for an Eid invitation.
  • Scholars differ on whether you must make it up; doing so is safest.
  • Don't break a make-up Ramadan fast for an invitation.
Tip: Doing your six Shawwal fasts? Check the family Eid calendar first and fast on quiet weekdays, so you rarely face this choice. You have the whole month. See How do I host my first Eid dinner?

People also ask

What is Jumu'atul Wida?

Jumu'atul Wida is the last Friday of Ramadan, the 'farewell Friday'. It's blessed, but has no special prayer like 'qada umri'. Here's why.

Read the full answer →
What is the month of Shaban?

Shaban is the 8th Islamic month, right before Ramadan. Learn why the Prophet fasted most in it and how to use it to prepare for Ramadan.

Read the full answer →
What happens to the Eid prayer if it rains?

If it rains, the Eid prayer moves indoors to the mosque or a hall. It's never cancelled, and in severe weather you may pray it at home instead.

Read the full answer →
How do I share Eid with my kids' non-Muslim parent?

Share Eid with your kids' non-Muslim parent by agreeing dates early, explaining Eid simply, including them kindly and never making kids choose.

Read the full answer →
Can I celebrate Eid if I'm in prison?

Yes, you can celebrate Eid in prison. Ask the Muslim chaplain about the Eid prayer and meal; Allah rewards what you are prevented from doing.

Read the full answer →