He reported God’s messenger as saying, “No fast is to be observed on two days, al-Fitr and al-Adha.* *In this tradition I have used the Arabic words, but have translated them in the preceding tradition. In the preceding tradition an-nahr is used where al-Adha is used here. Al-Adha means literally the victims.(Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Prohibition of Fasting on Eid Days
This hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih (2049) establishes a fundamental prohibition in Islamic law: fasting is strictly forbidden on the two days of Eid - Eid al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice).
Scholarly Commentary on the Prohibition
The scholars unanimously agree that fasting on these two days is haram (forbidden). Eid al-Fitr follows the completion of Ramadan's obligatory fast, while Eid al-Adha occurs during the days of Hajj pilgrimage. Both are occasions of celebration, gratitude, and communal worship.
The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in these days being designated for feasting, celebration, and expressing gratitude to Allah. Fasting would contradict the very essence of these festivals, which are meant to be occasions of joy, communal gathering, and remembrance of Allah's blessings.
Linguistic Clarification
The terms "al-Fitr" and "al-Adha" are preserved in Arabic to maintain their precise legal and theological significance. "Al-Adha" specifically refers to the sacrificial animals offered during this festival, emphasizing the ritual aspect of the celebration that makes fasting inappropriate.
Legal Implications
If someone were to fast on these days, their fast would be invalid and sinful. The prohibition is so emphatic that even if someone had an ongoing voluntary fast, they would be required to break it upon the arrival of Eid day. This ruling applies to all Muslims, regardless of whether they performed Hajj or not.