Forbidden on Eid Day mainly means fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, even with a good intention. Many Muslims ask if they can make up qada, fast Shawwal, or do extra worship on Eid. This guide explains the fasting rules, what is truly prohibited, and how to celebrate Eid with Sunnah manners safely.
The Straight Answer: What Is Forbidden on Eid Day?
Forbidden on Eid Day means fasting on the two Eid days is not allowed. These two days are Eid al-Fitr, which comes on the first day of Shawwal, and Eid al-Adha, which comes on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah. A Muslim should not fast on either day, even for qada, nafl, Shawwal, Monday and Thursday, or any other fasting intention.
This rule teaches obedience. We fast when Allah commands fasting, and we eat when Allah gives a day of celebration. Eid is not a day of careless sin, but it is also not a day for fasting. It is a day of salah, takbir, gratitude, food, family ties, and halal joy. So the main forbidden act in this topic is fasting, not happiness itself.
Why Fasting Is Forbidden on Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the first day after Ramadan. It is the day when Muslims break the month-long fast and thank Allah for helping them complete Ramadan. Because of that, fasting on Eid al-Fitr goes against the meaning of the day. The Prophet ﷺ clearly forbade fasting on this day.
Some people may think fasting on Eid al-Fitr shows extra piety. But true piety is following the Sunnah, not choosing hardship without proof. On Eid al-Fitr, eating is part of obedience. It shows that Ramadan has ended and Shawwal has begun. This is also why the six fasts of Shawwal do not begin on Eid day. They begin after Eid al-Fitr has passed. A believer should celebrate Eid with gratitude, then continue voluntary worship in the proper time.
Why Fasting Is Forbidden on Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is also a day when fasting is forbidden. It is connected to sacrifice, worship, and remembering the submission of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام. Muslims who offer udhiyah eat from the sacrifice and share food with family, neighbors, and the needy. This makes the day a day of eating, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah.
Fasting on Eid al-Adha would oppose the Sunnah nature of the day. Even if someone has a qada fast, a vow, or a usual fasting habit, they should not fast on Eid al-Adha. The rule is not based on personal feeling. It is based on authentic hadith. Eid al-Adha should be honored with prayer, takbir, sacrifice for those able, charity, clean celebration, and good manners.
Can You Make Up Qada Fasts on Eid?
No, qada fasts should not be made up on Eid day. Missed Ramadan fasts are fard, and they must be made up, but not on a day when fasting is forbidden. A person should choose another valid day after Eid. This applies to missed fasts due to illness, travel, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any other valid reason.
This is an important balance. Qada is serious, but the timing must still follow Islamic rules. You cannot fix one duty by breaking another rule. If Eid al-Fitr comes and you still owe Ramadan fasts, celebrate Eid properly, then make a qada plan afterward. If Eid al-Adha comes during your qada schedule, pause fasting on Eid day and continue later. Allah does not need us to disobey one command while trying to fulfill another.
Can You Fast Shawwal on Eid al-Fitr?
No, the six days of Shawwal cannot include Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is the first day of Shawwal, but fasting on that day is forbidden. The six Shawwal fasts begin from the second day of Shawwal or later. A Muslim may fast them together or separately during the month after Eid day has passed.
This point matters because many sincere Muslims want to start quickly after Ramadan. The intention is good, but the action must follow the Sunnah. Eat on Eid, pray Eid salah, give zakat al-fitr before the prayer, say takbir, and enjoy halal celebration. Then begin the six fasts of Shawwal from the next day if you are able. Do not turn eagerness into a mistake. Proper timing protects the reward.
What About the Days of Tashreeq After Eid al-Adha?
The days of Tashreeq are the three days after Eid al-Adha: the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. These days also have special fasting rules. They are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah. In general, fasting them is not allowed, except for a specific case related to Hajj for someone who cannot offer the required sacrifice.
For regular Muslims outside that specific Hajj situation, these days should be treated as days of Eid joy, takbir, food, and gratitude. This does not mean a person should fall into sins. It means worship takes the form Allah allowed for those days. Say takbir, remember Allah, give charity, maintain family ties, and avoid waste. The believer worships Allah through fasting on some days and through thankful eating on other days.
Is Anything Else Forbidden on Eid Day?
Fasting is the main specific prohibition linked to Eid day. But general haram actions remain haram on Eid too. Lying, backbiting, immodesty, wasting wealth, showing off, cutting family ties, missing obligatory salah, and sinful entertainment do not become allowed because it is Eid. Eid is a day of joy, not a license to disobey Allah.
At the same time, do not call halal joy forbidden. Eating good food, wearing nice modest clothes, visiting family, giving gifts, playing permissible games, and making children happy can all be good when done within Islamic limits. The balanced rule is simple: fasting is forbidden on Eid, sins are always forbidden, and halal celebration is allowed and loved when it stays within adab.
How to Worship on Eid Without Fasting
If you want to worship on Eid, there are many Sunnah ways besides fasting. On Eid al-Fitr, give zakat al-fitr before the prayer, eat before going out, say takbir, pray Eid salah, listen to the khutbah, and meet people with good manners. On Eid al-Adha, pray Eid salah, say takbir, offer udhiyah if you are able, and share food.
You can also make dua, give sadaqah, keep family ties, forgive people, visit relatives, and bring happiness to children. These acts may be better for Eid than trying to fast. Islam is not only about leaving food and drink. It is about obeying Allah in the right way at the right time. On Eid, worship looks like gratitude, takbir, prayer, charity, and clean happiness.
Common Mistakes About Forbidden Acts on Eid
One common mistake is fasting on Eid with the thought that it is extra reward. It is not reward when the Prophet ﷺ forbade it. Another mistake is starting the six Shawwal fasts on Eid al-Fitr. The first Shawwal fast can only be after Eid day. A third mistake is making qada on Eid because someone feels guilty about missed Ramadan fasts.
Another mistake is going to the opposite extreme and treating Eid as a day without limits. Some people miss salah, waste money, dress immodestly, listen to haram, or argue with family. That is not the Sunnah of Eid. A final mistake is calling every cultural joy haram without knowledge. Keep the rule clear: avoid what Allah forbade, enjoy what Allah allowed, and follow the Prophet ﷺ with love and balance.
Questions People Ask About What Is Forbidden on Eid Day
What is forbidden on Eid Day in Islam?
Can Muslims fast on Eid al-Fitr?
Can I make up qada fasts on Eid Day?
Is fasting on Eid al-Adha forbidden too?
Are the days after Eid al-Adha forbidden for fasting?
Is celebrating Eid with food and gifts allowed?
Can I do extra worship on Eid without fasting?
Final Thoughts on What Is Forbidden on Eid Day
Forbidden on Eid Day is mainly about fasting. A Muslim should not fast on Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, whether for qada, nafl, Shawwal, or a personal habit. The six Shawwal fasts begin after Eid al-Fitr, and qada fasts should be done on other valid days.
But Eid is not a day for sin either. Celebrate with halal joy, pray on time, say takbir, care for the poor, visit family, and thank Allah. The Sunnah gives us balance: no fasting on Eid, no haram celebration, and no harshness against permitted happiness. May Allah accept our fasting, our Eid, and our obedience.
References
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1992; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1137 — Prohibition of fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1141 — Days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1997 — Concession for certain pilgrims to fast during the days of Tashreeq if they cannot offer sacrifice
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 953 — Eating before going out for Eid al-Fitr prayer
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1503; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 984 — Zakat al-fitr before Eid prayer
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1164 — Fasting Ramadan followed by six days of Shawwal