Can I fast on the day of Eid?

Detailed answer

No. Fasting on the day of Eid al-Fitr is not allowed. This applies to every kind of fast: voluntary fasts, make-up (qada) fasts, fasts from a vow and the six days of Shawwal. Eid is a day of eating, gratitude and celebration.

What the Sunnah says

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade fasting on two days: the day of Eid al-Fitr and the day of Eid al-Adha (Bukhari, Muslim). Umar ibn al-Khattab explained the wisdom in a sermon: one is the day you break from your fasting, and the other is the day you eat from your sacrifice (Bukhari, Muslim).

The scholars agree on this ruling. Eating on Eid is itself a way of thanking Allah for helping you complete Ramadan. It is even recommended to eat something, such as a few dates, before going to the Eid prayer.

In practice

• If you have missed days to make up, start from the second day of Shawwal or later; see how to make up missed fasts.
• The six days of Shawwal can also begin on the second day.
• The days of Tashriq, the three days after Eid al-Adha, are also days on which fasting is not allowed, except in a specific case for pilgrims.

What if I did not know it was Eid?

Sometimes news of the moon sighting arrives late. If you started fasting and then learn during the day that it is Eid, break your fast as soon as you find out. There is no sin on you, because you did not know. The Prophet once told people to break their fast when riders arrived during the day and testified that they had seen the crescent the evening before (Abu Dawud).

Tips

Before the last days of Ramadan, check when Eid is expected in your country. In 2027 Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 March (Umm al-Qura calendar), or Wednesday 10 March in some countries. See Ramadan and Eid dates in your country to be sure.