How long does Eid last?
It depends on which Eid. Eid al-Fitr is officially one day, the 1st of Shawwal, though many cultures celebrate for three days. Eid al-Adha is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, followed by three more festive days (the days of Tashriq), so it runs four days in total. Both start at sunset the evening before, since Islamic days begin at sunset.
Eid al-Fitr: one day, often celebrated for three
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. In Islamic law, the "Eid day" is the 1st of Shawwal: that's the day of the Eid prayer, and fasting on it is forbidden. Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of sacrifice (Sahih Muslim 1137).
- Culturally: in many Muslim countries, Eid al-Fitr is a three-day public holiday with visits, food and gifts. That's a custom, and a good one, but not a religious requirement.
- Fasting after Eid: from the 2nd of Shawwal you may start the six optional fasts of Shawwal if you like.
The Quran links finishing Ramadan with glorifying Allah, which is why many Muslims say the takbir from the night of Eid until the prayer starts:
Eid al-Adha: four days
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, during Hajj. The next three days, the 11th, 12th and 13th, are the days of Tashriq. The Prophet ﷺ said, "The days of Tashriq are the days of eating and drinking" (Sahih Muslim 1141), and he described those days of Mina as days of Eid (Sahih al-Bukhari 988).
- No fasting: most scholars say you shouldn't fast on these days (with a narrow exception for some pilgrims).
- Qurbani: the sacrifice can be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th. Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali scholars generally allow it until sunset of the 12th; the Shafi'i school allows it until sunset of the 13th.
- Takbir: many scholars say the takbir after each prayer from Fajr on the Day of Arafah until Asr on the 13th.
When does Eid start and end?
An Islamic day starts at sunset. So the "night of Eid" is the evening before, and the day ends at sunset on Eid day. The dates move about 11 days earlier each year, because the Islamic calendar follows the moon. Your local mosque will announce the exact day. See How do I know which day Eid is?
Planning time off
If you work or study, one day off is usually enough for Eid al-Fitr, and the 10th for Eid al-Adha. If you can take two or three days, enjoy them with family and friends. See Can I miss school for Eid?
- Eid al-Fitr is one day by law, often celebrated for three.
- Eid al-Adha is the 10th plus the three days of Tashriq.
- Fasting on Eid days is not allowed.
- Islamic days start at sunset the evening before.
People also ask
What if Eid falls on a Friday?
It depends on your school. Pray Eid in the morning, then Jumu'ah or Dhuhr: the Prophet allowed a concession, but many scholars say attend both.
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