Fasting on the two days of Eid?

Praise be to Allah

Summary:

Fasting on the two days of Eid and the three days of al-Tashreeq is haram in Islam.

Detailed Answer:

Fasting on the days of Eid, specifically Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as the three days following Eid al-Adha, known as the Days of al-Tashreeq, is prohibited in Islam. These days are intended for celebration, feasting, and gratitude, making fasting contrary to the spirit of joy and communal festivity. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly forbade fasting on these days to ensure that Muslims partake in the communal aspects of the celebrations and enjoy the blessings Allah has bestowed upon them.

Relevant Hadith

The prohibition is supported by several hadiths:

On the Days of Eid: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Nahr (Eid al-Adha)”

(Sahih Bukhari 1992, Sahih Muslim 827).

On the Days of al-Tashreeq: Nubaisha al-Hudhali reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The days of Tashreeq are the days of eating and drinking”

(Sahih Muslim 1141a).

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

The wisdom behind these prohibitions is to maintain the celebratory nature of the Eid period and to ensure that Muslims partake in the communal aspects of the celebration. The days of Eid and al-Tashreeq strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims as they gather, share meals, and celebrate together. It also reflects Islam’s balanced approach to worship, encouraging both devotion and permissible enjoyment.

These prohibitions emphasize the importance Islam places on balance, community, and the celebration of Allah’s blessings. By observing these prohibitions, Muslims align themselves with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and embrace the joy, unity, and gratitude that these special days are meant to foster.

And Allah Knows Best