Can I fast on the day of Eid?
No, fasting on the day of Eid is not allowed. The Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting on both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and scholars agree on this. Eid is a day of eating, celebrating and thanking Allah. You can start voluntary fasts, like the six days of Shawwal, or make up missed fasts from the next day.
What the hadith say
Abu Ubaid said he attended Eid with Umar ibn al-Khattab, who told the people that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade fasting on two days: the day you break your Ramadan fasts, and the day you eat the meat of your sacrifices (Sahih al-Bukhari 1990). Abu Sa'id also reported that the Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting on the two Eid days (Sahih al-Bukhari 1991).
This covers every kind of fast: voluntary fasts, make-up fasts and fasts from a vow. Even if Eid falls on a Monday or Thursday, or a day you'd normally fast, you don't fast it.
The days after Eid al-Adha
The three days after Eid al-Adha (11th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah) are called the days of Tashriq. The Prophet ﷺ said, "The days of Tashriq are the days of eating and drinking" (Sahih Muslim 1141). Aisha and Ibn Umar said nobody was allowed to fast on them except pilgrims who could not afford a sacrifice (Sahih al-Bukhari 1997). So for most people, the whole stretch from Eid al-Adha to the 13th is fast-free.
Why Islam forbids it
Eid is a gift. After Ramadan or the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Allah wants His servants to enjoy His blessings, not to push themselves further. Refusing food that day would be like turning down a host's meal.
What you can do instead
- Six days of Shawwal: the Prophet ﷺ said whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted perpetually (Sahih Muslim 1164). Start from the second day of Shawwal, in a row or spread out.
- Make-up fasts: if you missed Ramadan days (illness, travel, period), you can begin right after Eid. See Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
- Before Eid al-Adha: fasting the Day of Arafah, the day before Eid, is highly recommended for non-pilgrims.
What if I didn't know it was Eid?
Sometimes Eid is announced late, or your community follows a different moon sighting. If you woke up fasting and then learn it's Eid, break your fast as soon as you find out. There's no sin and nothing to make up. See How do I know which day Eid is?
- Fasting on either Eid day is forbidden.
- The three days of Tashriq after Eid al-Adha are also not for fasting.
- Six days of Shawwal and make-up fasts can start the day after Eid al-Fitr.
- If you fasted by mistake, break it when you find out.
People also ask
What food do Muslims eat on Eid?
It depends on the culture: biryani, couscous, rendang, maamoul and more. Sunnah: dates before the Eid al-Fitr prayer; qurbani meat on Adha.
Read the full answer →How do I host my first Eid dinner?
Yes, even new Muslims can host Eid: keep it small, halal and alcohol-free, make space for prayer, and invite someone who'd be alone.
Read the full answer →Should I eat before the Eid prayer?
Yes, on Eid al-Fitr eat a few dates before the prayer. On Eid al-Adha the sunnah is to wait and eat afterward. Neither is obligatory.
Read the full answer →What sunnah acts should I do on Eid morning?
Yes, a few easy ones: bathe, wear your best clothes, eat dates before Eid al-Fitr prayer, say the takbir and go home by a different route.
Read the full answer →What if I miss the Eid prayer?
It depends on your school: most say pray two rak'at alone later, Hanafis say there's no make-up. First look for a later prayer nearby.
Read the full answer →