Is it okay to spend a lot of money on Eid?
It depends: spending generously on Eid is fine, but wasteful or show-off spending is not. Islam encourages joy, good food, nice clothes and gifts on Eid. The line is crossed when spending becomes extravagant, puts you in debt, or is mainly about impressing people.
Eid is meant to feel special
Dressing up and celebrating on Eid has a clear basis. Umar once offered the Prophet ﷺ a fine cloak to wear on Eid and for meeting delegations. The Prophet ﷺ declined only because it was silk, which is not allowed for men, not because dressing up for Eid was wrong (Sahih al-Bukhari 948). He also said that Allah is beautiful and loves beauty (Sahih Muslim 91).
So a festive meal, new or best clothes, decorations and presents for the kids are all part of the spirit of the day. See Do I have to buy new clothes for Eid?
Where the line is
The Quran praises a balanced way of spending:
"A lot" means different things for different budgets. What matters is:
- Waste: cooking far more than will be eaten and throwing it away.
- Showing off: spending to compete with relatives or for social media.
- Debt: putting Eid on credit cards or interest-based loans. See How do I get out of interest debt as a new Muslim?
- Forgetting others: a lavish party while ignoring people in need.
If you can afford it and your intention is to bring joy to your family and guests, spending well isn't a problem. Wealth itself isn't blameworthy. See Is it haram to be rich?
Don't forget the poor on Eid
Islam builds sharing into both Eids. Zakat al-Fitr has to be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503), so that poor families can celebrate too, and on Eid al-Adha the qurbani meat is shared with those in need. A good rule of thumb: if you're spending a lot on yourself, set aside something meaningful for others as well.
Eid gifts and Eidi
Giving children money or presents is a lovely custom, but there's no required amount. A small, thoughtful gift is just as Islamic as an expensive one. See What is Eidi and do I have to give it?
- Generous spending on Eid is allowed and even encouraged.
- Waste, showing off and going into debt are the problems.
- Moderation is the Quranic standard.
- Always include the poor through zakat al-Fitr, qurbani or sadaqah.
People also ask
Can I bring my baby to the Eid prayer?
Yes, you can bring your baby to the Eid prayer. The Prophet told families to come out on Eid and shortened prayer when a child cried.
Read the full answer →Can I take my kids out of school for Eid?
Yes, you can take your kids out of school for Eid; it counts as religious absence in most of the UK, Europe and USA. How to tell the school.
Read the full answer →Can I pray the Eid prayer at home?
Yes, most scholars say you can pray the Eid prayer at home if you can't reach a congregation. What the schools say and how to pray it at home.
Read the full answer →Can I give Eid gifts to my non-Muslim neighbors?
Yes, you can give Eid gifts to non-Muslim neighbors. Islam stresses neighbors' rights, and sharing Eid food or a small gift is a lovely gesture.
Read the full answer →Is it bid'ah to say "Eid Mubarak"?
No, most scholars say "Eid Mubarak" is not bid'ah: greetings are a custom, not worship, and the Companions congratulated each other on Eid too.
Read the full answer →