Fasting is a cornerstone of Islamic practice, but certain days are specifically designated as forbidden (haram) for fasting. These days are considered times of celebration, feasting, or have other specific prohibitions associated with them.
Based on Islamic teachings and scholarly consensus, the days when fasting is forbidden include the two Eid holidays and the days of Tashreeq. It is also generally prohibited to fast only on Fridays without fasting the day before or after, or when it falls on a day one habitually fasts.
Days When Fasting is Forbidden
The primary days when fasting is explicitly forbidden are:
- Eid al-Fitr: The holiday marking the end of the month of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha: The holiday commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, and also marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- The three days following Eid al-Adha: These are known as the Ayyam al-Tashreeq (Days of Drying Meat or Days of Jerking Meat), which are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The reference states that Eid al-Adha and the three days following it are forbidden because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "You are not to fast these days. They are days of eating and drinking and remembering Allah," as reported by Abu Hurairah. Similarly, Eid al-Fitr is also a day when fasting is forbidden.
Other Prohibitions
Beyond the Eid holidays and Ayyam al-Tashreeq, the reference mentions another specific practice that is discouraged or forbidden:
- Singling out Fridays for fasting: It is forbidden to fast only on Fridays without any other reason (like it coinciding with a day one habitually fasts, or fasting the day before or after). This is mentioned in the reference regarding the prohibition of singling out Fridays, as narrated from 'Abdullah b. Fasting in Islam - Wikipedia.
Summary of Forbidden Fasting Days
Here is a simple table summarizing the days when fasting is forbidden:
| Day(s) | Islamic Calendar Date | Reason for Prohibition (Based on Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr | 1st of Shawwal | Day of celebration and breaking the fast of Ramadan. |
| Eid al-Adha | 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah | Day of sacrifice and celebration; "days of eating and drinking". |
| Ayyam al-Tashreeq | 11th, 12th, 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah | Following Eid al-Adha; "days of eating and drinking and remembering Allah". |
| Singling out Friday (alone) | Every Friday | Discouraged/Forbidden practice when done without other context. |
These prohibitions highlight the balance in Islam between acts of worship like fasting and moments of communal celebration and enjoyment. The Eid days are meant to be feasts, expressing gratitude to Allah, while the Ayyam al-Tashreeq continue this theme. Singling out Friday fasting is discouraged perhaps to avoid elevating it to the status of days like 'Ashura' or Arafah, or to prevent excessive austerity.
