I attended the 'Id (prayer) along with 'Umar. He offered prayer before the sermon. He then said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited fasting on these two days. As regards Id al-Adha, you eat the meat of your sacrificial animals. As for 'Id al-Fitr, you break (i.e. end) your fast.
Hadith Text & Context
Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: I attended the 'Id (prayer) along with 'Umar. He offered prayer before the sermon. He then said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited fasting on these two days. As regards Id al-Adha, you eat the meat of your sacrificial animals. As for 'Id al-Fitr, you break (i.e. end) your fast.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2416 | Book: Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam)
Legal Prohibition & Wisdom
The prohibition against fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is established by definitive texts and scholarly consensus (ijma'). These days are designated for celebration, gratitude, and feasting as acts of worship.
Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan's spiritual journey, where breaking fast becomes obligatory. Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice, where consuming sacrificial meat is encouraged.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi states: "Fasting on the two Eids is haram (prohibited) based on this and other authentic hadiths. The wisdom lies in these being days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah."
Ibn Qudamah explains: "The prohibition applies even if one has missed Ramadan fasts, as these specific days are designated for celebration. Making up missed fasts should occur on other days."
Practical Implementation
The prayer precedes the sermon on Eid, establishing the sunnah method of conducting Eid gatherings. This order emphasizes prayer as the primary spiritual act.
Muslims should actively avoid fasting and participate in the communal celebrations, strengthening social bonds and expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings.