SAEDNEWS: Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. On this blessed day, fasting is prohibited for Muslims. But what are the reasons that fasting on Eid al-Fitr is forbidden?
According to Saednews, Ramadan is the month of God and a special opportunity for fasting, worship, and devotion. With the beginning of this blessed month, fasting becomes obligatory for all Muslims. When Ramadan ends, the crescent moon of Shawwal is sighted, and Eid al-Fitr arrives, fasting becomes forbidden. But why is fasting prohibited on Eid al-Fitr? What makes this day of joy and gratitude to God a day when fasting is not only discouraged but actually forbidden?
Ramadan is a month in which Muslims prepare themselves for spiritual growth through fasting. After a month of worship, many people may wish to continue fasting. However, Islam emphasizes moderation and balance in all matters, including acts of worship.
Excessive worship, even excessive fasting, can lead to spiritual and physical exhaustion. God has established rules that take human well-being into account. Continuous fasting throughout the year may not be compatible with people's physical abilities, and a conflict between spiritual aspirations and physical needs can cause hardship and discomfort.
During Ramadan, believers purify their souls through worship and religious practices, drawing closer to God. Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of this spiritual journey, which is why the first day of Shawwal is designated as a festival.
A festival day should be distinct from ordinary days. If Muslims continued fasting on Eid al-Fitr as they did during Ramadan, the festive nature of the day would not be apparent. God does not want the significance of this celebration to be diminished. Therefore, Eid al-Fitr is a day for eating, drinking, rejoicing, and expressing gratitude to the Creator.
According to authentic Islamic narrations, on Eid al-Fitr people are considered guests of God, and God does not wish His guests to remain hungry and fasting.
Some narrations also describe the days on which fasting is forbidden—such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and certain other occasions—as divine gifts and acts of generosity from God to His servants. Accepting these gifts is considered appropriate, while rejecting them is discouraged.
During Ramadan, God commands believers to fast. At the end of the month, He commands them to eat and drink. This change in instruction serves as a test of sincere obedience and devotion.
It demonstrates who follows God's commands without hesitation, whether those commands require abstinence or enjoyment of lawful blessings. True worship lies in obeying God's will in all circumstances.
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said:
"Fasting should not be observed on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, because the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: These are days of eating, drinking, and rejoicing."
He also said:
"Fasting is forbidden on these days because they are days of eating and drinking."
The prohibition of fasting on Eid al-Fitr reflects several important Islamic principles: moderation in worship, recognition of the special status of religious celebrations, acceptance of God's gifts and hospitality, and complete obedience to divine commands. Eid al-Fitr is intended to be a day of joy, gratitude, fellowship, and celebration after the spiritual achievements of Ramadan, making fasting on this day impermissible in Islamic law.
