Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command. Before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, however, God provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. In commemoration of this intervention, animals are sacrificed ritually and divided into three parts on Eid al-Adha – one third of the share is given to the poor and needy, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the remaining third is retained by the family.
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar. The date of Eid al-Adha shifts from year to year within the Gregorian calendar, since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based.
Do you fast on the day of Eid al-Adha?
No, fasting is prohibited (haram) on both Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. Eid holidays are meant to be days of celebration and joy, not fasting. Fasting is only observed during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad expressly forbade fasting on the Day of Sacrifice (Yaum al-Nahr) which is the first day of Eid al-Adha. It is considered a sinful act to deliberately fast on either of the Eid days.
However, there are some differences of opinion among Islamic scholars about this:
Majority opinion
The majority consensus is that fasting is forbidden on Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. This view is held by the four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali), as well as by Shiite scholars.
Some of the evidence used to support this majority position includes:
- Several narrations from Muhammad prohibiting fasting on Eid days
- Eid days are meant for celebration and considered a time of reward when good deeds are magnified, so fasting would go against the spirit of Eid
- Fasting is only obligatory in Ramadan, so it does not make sense to voluntarily fast on Eid
Minority opinion
A minority of classical scholars, including Abu Hanifah, one of the main founders of the Hanafi school, did permit fasting on Eid al-Adha, but considered it undesirable or makruh (disliked).
Those who argued fasting is permissible on Eid al-Adha cited the following evidence:
- They interpreted the prohibition as meaning people should not single out or exclusively fast on Eid alone out of the year. But fasting on Eid in concurrence with an existing voluntary fast is permitted.
- They pointed to an example of Aisha fasting on Eid al-Fitr after the Prophet’s death, which indicates the prohibition is not absolute.
However, the majority of scholars maintained that the prohibition applies in all cases, not just exclusively fasting on Eid alone.
When are the days of fasting before Eid al-Adha?
Unlike Eid al-Fitr which is preceded by Ramadan, there are no set days of fasting required prior to Eid al-Adha. However, many Muslims choose to fast in the first nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah leading up to Eid.
These optional fasts are considered highly rewarding, similar to fasting in the month of Sha’ban before Ramadan. But they are not obligatory requirements.
The Prophet Muhammad fasted on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, but did not make it compulsory for all Muslims to do so.
Some of the virtues of fasting in the first nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah include:
- They coincide with the “Blessed Days” when good deeds are multiplied.
- The Prophet said fasting on the Day of Arafat (9th Dhu al-Hijjah) can expiate sins of the previous year and the coming year.
- Fasting is a way to express gratitude to Allah for being able to perform Hajj and sacrifice.
However, fasting is prohibited on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah which is Eid al-Adha, as well as the 11th, 12th and 13th which are the Days of Tashreeq when eating is encouraged.
What do Muslims do in preparation for Eid al-Adha?
In the days and weeks leading up to Eid al-Adha, Muslims prepare in the following ways:
- Arranging the sacrifice (udhiyah): Those who can afford it purchase an animal (a sheep, goat, cow or camel) to sacrifice. It is divided into three portions – one for the family, one for relatives/neighbors, and one for the poor.
- Preparing meals: Delicious foods and desserts are prepared for Eid festivities. Cultural dishes often include DATE pancakes, samosas, rice dishes, curries, breads and sweets.
- Buying new clothes: Muslims dress in their finest new clothes for Eid prayers and festivities. It is Sunnah to wear something new if possible.
- Attending Eid prayers: Eid prayers are generally performed in large congregations in mosques or open areas. Muslims may take off work or travel to attend Eid prayers.
- Paying Zakat al-Fitr: This is an obligatory charity given before Eid al-Fitr, but voluntary before Eid al-Adha. It is given on behalf of each household member.
- Making Eid decorations: Mosques and homes are decorated with festive banners, lights and ornaments to celebrate.
- Visiting family/friends: It is encouraged to visit relatives, neighbors, friends and the elderly and greet them on the Eid day.
These preparations help set the joyous spirit of Eid and unite the Muslim community.
What do Muslims do on Eid al-Adha day?
The major rituals and practices on Eid al-Adha include:
- Eid Takbir: Muslims celebrate by chanting the takbir (“Allahu akbar”, God is greatest) before and after Eid prayers.
- Eid prayers: Special congregational prayers are held on the morning of Eid. This involves specific Eid sermons and supplications.
- Animal sacrifice: Those who can afford it sacrifice an approved animal according to Sunnah. This commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
- Distributing meat: The meat is divided into 3 portions – one for the family, one for relatives/neighbors and one for the poor and needy.
- Eid meals & feasting: Festive meals are enjoyed with family, friends and community members. Sweets and desserts are shared.
- Exchange Eid greetings: Muslims greet each other saying “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) and “May Allah accept your good deeds”.
- Give gifts/money (Eidi): Adults often give money or gifts to children as part of the celebration.
- Wear new clothes: Muslims dress in their finest clothes, often new, to mark the festive day.
- Socialize and celebrate: The day is spent visiting family and friends, sharing meals and sweets, and rejoicing together.
Eid al-Adha focuses on commemorating Ibrahim’s devotion, remembering the needy, strengthening community ties, and showing thankfulness to Allah.
What else do Muslims consider about Eid al-Adha?
In addition to the major rituals, here are some other considerations around Eid al-Adha:
Making up missed fasts from Ramadan
Since Ramadan precedes Eid al-Adha, some Muslims may still have missed fasts to make up before Eid. However, it is forbidden to fast on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah which is Eid.
If someone still has missed Ramadan fasts, they should try to make them up before the Eid day to avoid the prohibition on fasting during Eid.
Traveling for Hajj
Eid al-Adha coincides with the pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj. Many Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia around this time to complete their obligatory Hajj pilgrimage.
However, Eid prayers and celebrations are also held around the world wherever Muslims reside. Those not on Hajj celebrate Eid in their local communities.
Differences between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
While both mark major festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha have some distinctions:
| Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha |
|---|---|
| Comes after completion of Ramadan fasting | Comes after Hajj pilgrimage |
| Emphasizes giving Zakat al-Fitr charity | Emphasizes ritual animal sacrifice (udhiyah) |
| Involves special night prayers (taraweeh) | Does not have taraweeh |
| Has more pronounced desserts and sweets | Has more prominent meat dishes from sacrifices |
However, both Eids celebrate the unity of the Muslim ummah and demonstrate thankfulness to Allah.
Conclusion
In summary, fasting is prohibited on Eid al-Adha and the preceding Day of Arafat, based on the majority scholarly opinion. However, voluntary fasting in the first nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah is considered rewarding.
While Eid al-Adha is not preceded by required fasting, Muslims still prepare by arranging sacrifices, preparing foods, buying new clothes, attending Eid prayers, and decorating their homes.
The day of Eid al-Adha is marked by practices like Takbir, Eid prayers, sacrificing an animal if affordable, distributing meat, feasting, exchanging Eid greetings and giving gifts. It commemorates Ibrahim’s devotion and reminds Muslims of the needy.
While distinct from Eid al-Fitr in some ways, both major festivals demonstrate the joyous celebration of the Muslim communities worldwide in glorifying God.
