Do you have to fast before Eid al-Adha Salah?

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. It commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Many Muslims have questions about whether fasting is required leading up to Eid al-Adha prayers.

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Quick Answer

No, fasting is not required on the day before Eid al-Adha prayers. In fact, it is recommended not to fast on Eid al-Adha or the day before. However, fasting on the 9th and 10th days of Dhu al-Hijjah (the month of the Hajj pilgrimage) is considered highly rewarding.

Do Muslims Fast on Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha is a day of celebration and considered a day of feast. Fasting is prohibited on both Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The evidence for this comes from several hadiths:

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and Adha. (Muslim)
Uqbah ibn Amir reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The day of Fitr, the day of Adha, and the Ayyam Tashreeq (11th, 12th, 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah) are our days of feast, they are days of eating and drinking.” (Abu Dawud)
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha. (Abu Dawud)

Based on this, Muslims are prohibited from fasting on Eid al-Adha day. It is a celebration and day of feast for completing the Hajj rituals. The reasoning behind abstaining from fasting is to not resemble the Jews who fast on their days of celebration.

Should You Fast the Day Before Eid al-Adha?

Fasting is also not recommended on the day before Eid al-Adha, known as the Day of Arafat. Here is the evidence:

Nubaishah Al Hadhrami reported that the Prophet (saw) said: “The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” I said: “What about someone who is fasting?” He said: “There is no harm upon him.” (Muslim)

Abu Huraira reported: “The Prophet (saw) forbade fasting on the day of Arafah for one who is actually at Arafah.” (Ahmad)

Although fasting the day before Eid al-Adha is permissible for those not performing Hajj, it is disliked because it is a day of celebration and gratitude to Allah.

When Are the Optional Fasts of Dhu al-Hijjah?

While fasting is prohibited on Eid al-Adha and the day before, there are other optional fasts during Dhu al-Hijjah that are highly recommended. They are:

1st 9 days of Dhu al-Hijjah: It is permitted to fast any day during the first 9 days of Dhu al-Hijjah. A hadith states: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days, i.e. the first 10 days of Dhu al-Hijjah.” (Bukhari)
Day of Arafat (9th of Dhu al-Hijjah): This fast is highly rewarded but prohibited only for those standing at Arafat during Hajj.
Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram): Fasting this day expiates sins of the past year.

6 days of Shawwal: Fasting 6 days after Eid al-Fitr is equivalent in reward to fasting the whole year.

In summary, while fasting is not desired on Eid al-Adha or the Day of Arafat, Muslims are encouraged to fast during the first 9 days of Dhu al-Hijjah in general.

Should You Offer Salah Before Eid Prayer?

On Eid al-Adha morning, Muslims wake up early and offer Eid prayer, preferably in a large open area or masjid. But what about other nafl or sunnah prayers before Eid salah? Here are some rules:

Nafl/Sunnah after Fajr: There are no sunnah or nafl prayers after Fajr on Eid day. Go for Eid salah.
Eid Takbeers: It is sunnah to recite takbeer (Allahu Akbar) frequently after Fajr until the Eid salah.
Salatul Eidain: A special 2 rakaat nafl prayer can be offered before Eid salah at home, but not mandatory.

Eid Salah: Perform the Eid prayer in congregation any time after sunrise.
Salatul Duha (Ishraq): This can be offered after Eid salah, not before.

In summary, Eid takbeers should be recited from Fajr until the Eid prayer. Voluntary prayers like Salatul Eidain or Duha should be offered after, not before the Eid salah.

What Are the Essentials of Eid Salah?

Eid prayer has some unique rules and essential elements:

Make Ghusl: Taking a full bath before Eid prayer is obligatory for purification.
Dress nicely: Wearing new or clean nice clothes to celebrate the occasion is recommended.

Eat something: Eat dates or sweets before Eid prayer based on the Prophet’s guidance.
Go early: Arrive early at the prayer area and occupy the first rows.
Donate: Give obligatory Zakat al Fitr charity before Eid prayer preferably.

Recite takbeer: Recite takbeer loudly with a congregation while heading to prayer.
Make niyyah: Intend to offer Eid al-Adha prayer with 6 extra takbeers.
Follow Imam: Listen to Imam carefully and follow his actions during the salah.

Make dua: Raise hands for an extended dua after salah before the khutbah.
Listen to khutbah: Listen carefully to benefit from the Eid sermon after salah.

In summary, ghusl, nice clothes, eating something sweet, arriving early, reciting takbeer, following the Imam, making dua are the key parts of Eid al-Adha prayer.

What is the Format of Eid Salah?

The Eid salah format consists of 2 rakats with extra 6 takbeers in each rakat:

Make niyyah for Eid al-Adha salah.
Raise hands and say “Allahu Akbar”

Fold arms across chest for the 1st takbeer.
Place hands by the side for 2nd and 3rd takbeer and recite Thana.
Raise hands for 4th takbeer and go into ruku.

Stand up from ruku, raise hands for 5th takbeer, and go into sujood.
Sit up after 1st prostration, raise hands for 6th takbeer, and go into 2nd sujood.
Sit for tashahud and durood in 1st rakat.

Stand up for 2nd rakat, and follow the same pattern from steps 2 to 7.
Recite tashahud, durood, make dua. Tasleem to right and left.

This unique format of 6 extra takbeers distinguishes it from regular prayer. Listen to the Imam and follow in unison for optimal reward.

Can Women Offer Eid Prayer at Home?

It is obligatory upon women to offer the Eid prayer in congregation like men. However, women who cannot make it to the main prayer area due to an excuse can offer it at home.

Factors allowing women to pray at home include:

Lack of proper space for women at masjid

Difficulty sitting for long periods due to menses
Presence of small children requiring care
Illness or disability

No mahram to accompany to Eid prayer
Safety issues walking to prayer area

Under these valid excuses, women can offer the Eid prayer at home individually or in a group with other women. However, they should try to attend the main congregation if possible.

How is Eid Prayer Performed at Home?

Here are the main steps for women performing Eid salah at home:

Make ghusl, dress nicely, wear perfume.
Gather in a clean prayer area at home facing the qibla.

Recite takbeers loudly together while lining up for prayer.
One woman stands in front to lead the others in prayer.
Follow the Eid salah format detailed earlier.

Listen to Eid khutbah from mosque if broadcasted.
Greet each other after Eid prayer. Children greet elders for Eidi gifts.

The home Eid prayer format remains the same as the main Eid prayer. Recite takbeers out loud to generate a feel of the real Eid congregation.

What if You Miss Eid Prayer?

Ideally, every able Muslim should offer Eid prayer in congregation on time. However, here are some rules if the prayer is missed unintentionally:

Join another congregation: Join Eid prayer at another location if possible.
Offer Eid salah alone: Perform the Eid salah individually if unable to join other Muslims later.

Intend as Nafl: If offering after Eid salah time, make niyyah of performing a nafl instead.
Make Qada: Can make Qada but without extra takbeers later that day if missed.
Give Sadaqah: Donate charity to the poor equivalent to Sadaqatul Fitr amount.

In essence, try to join another congregation if feasible or pray alone. Otherwise, make Qada without takbeers or give Sadaqah to compensate.

What Should Women Do at Eid Prayers?

Here are some etiquette tips for women attending Eid congregation:

Dress modestly in loose clothing & headscarf.

Apply light makeup and perfume at home.
Bring prayer mat to offer salah in clean area.
Sit separately from men during khutbah.

Refrain from handshakes with men.
Reply to Eid greetings without raising voice.
Stay calm amid crowds after Eid prayer.

Exchange Eid gifts and donations discreetly.
Return home composed without prolonged mixing.

The key is to enjoy the Eid spirit while adhering to hijab etiquette. Avoid casual mixing while being gracious in greetings and gift exchange.

What Should You Do after Eid Prayer?

After concluding the Eid prayer and khutbah, here are some recommended practices:

Greet others with “Eid Mubarak!”
Exchange gifts & donations among family/friends.

Make phone calls to distant relatives to extend Eid wishes.
prepare a small feast with delicious dishes at home.
Thank Allah for being able to celebrate Eid and complete fasting.

Spend quality time with family relaxing at home.
Appreciate those who cannot afford to celebrate.
Take part in community Eid activities like festivals.

Return missed or extra fasts from Ramadan if applicable.

The key is to celebrate this special day while also counting our blessings and fostering community ties. Make it a true celebration to be remembered!

Conclusion

In essence, fasting is not required before Eid al-Adha prayers. The day of Arafat and Eid are days of celebration and feasting for completing major Hajj rituals. While optional fasts can be observed during the first 9 days of Dhu al-Hijjah, abstaining from fasting directly before Eid is preferred. The Eid prayer itself includes a sermon and special format with 6 additional takbeers. Women unable to attend public Eid prayers can perform salah at home. The day should be celebrated joyfully with family, gifts, food and community events. May Allah accept our good deeds and grant us many more blessed Eid al-Adha celebrations.