Can we celebrate Eid al-Abraar which is in Shawwaal ?

Praise be to Allah

Summary: The celebration of Eid al-Abraar (the “festival of the righteous”) on the eighth of Shawwaal is considered an innovation (bid’ah) in Islam and is not supported by Islamic teachings.

Detailed Answer:

Eid al-Abraar, celebrated on the eighth day of Shawwaal, is an innovation that some people observe after fasting the first six days of Shawwaal following Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This practice is not based on any Islamic teachings or traditions and is considered a bid’ah.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated that celebrating occasions not prescribed in the Shariah, such as some nights in Rabee’ al-Awwal (Mawlid), some nights in Rajab, the eighteenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, the first Friday in Rajab, or the eighth of Shawwaal (Eid al-Abraar), are innovations not practiced by the early generations of Muslims (salaf). He emphasized that these innovations are not approved in Islam and should be avoided (Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 25/298).

Ibn Taymiyah also mentioned that the eighth of Shawwaal is not an Eid for the righteous or the evil, and it is not permissible to celebrate it or engage in any activities associated with it (al-Ikhtiyaaraat al-Fiqhiyyah, p. 199).

These celebrations typically involve gatherings in mosques where men and women mix freely, shake hands, and exchange words from pre-Islamic times. Following this, special foods are prepared for the occasion (al-Sunan wa’l-Mubtada’aat by al-Shuqayri, p. 166).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not a part of it, will have it rejected.” (Bukhari, 2550; Muslim, 1718). In another report by Muslim, it is stated: “Whoever does any action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) will have it rejected.”

And Allah Knows Best