Fasting Before Idul Adha: How Many Days and When is the Best Time?

Kapanlagi.com - As the Day of Idul Adha approaches, Muslims are encouraged to perform several additional practices as a form of preparation to welcome this blessed holiday. One highly recommended practice is the sunnah fast before Idul Adha. This fast not only provides spiritual benefits but also has extraordinary virtues for those who observe it. However, when is the best time to carry out this fast, and what types of fasts are recommended?

Fasting before Idul Adha has many virtues mentioned in various hadiths, including forgiveness of sins and receiving abundant rewards. Therefore, it is important for Muslims to clearly understand when and how to perform this fast. This article will thoroughly discuss the sunnah fast before Idul Adha, including the types of recommended fasts, the timing for their implementation, as well as the intentions and procedures for performing them.

Check out the complete information so you can attain the virtues of this fast and prepare yourself to welcome the Day of Idul Adha with abundant blessings.

1. How Many Days is the Idul Adha Fasting Done?

It is explained on the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) page that fasting before Idul Adha is done for several days, specifically on the first 9 days of the month of Dzulhijjah, but the most recommended fast is on the 8th and 9th of Dzulhijjah. This fast is known as the Dzulhijjah fast, as well as Tarwiyah and Arafah. Each day has its own virtue and can erase sins both past and future.

The Dzulhijjah fast is performed from the 1st to the 7th of Dzulhijjah, which are the first days of the month of Dzulhijjah. Although this fast is highly recommended, fasting on the 8th and 9th of Dzulhijjah, namely the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts, has even greater virtues, with the Arafah fast being able to erase sins from the past year and the coming year.

Fasting on these days can help Muslims gain closer proximity to Allah SWT, welcoming Idul Adha with a pure heart. Overall, Muslims are encouraged to perform sunnah fasting during the first 10 days of Dzulhijjah, with the main focus on the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts.

2. When is the Best Time to Observe Eid al-Adha Fasting in 2025?

According to the official website of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Sunnah fast before Eid al-Adha 2025 should ideally begin on the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is estimated to fall on May 28, 2025. Below is the complete schedule recommended for fasting before Eid al-Adha:

• Dhu al-Hijjah Fasting starts from the 1st to the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah, or in the general calendar from May 28 to June 3. This fast is usually observed by Muslims who are performing Hajj in the holy land.
• Tarwiyah Fasting (8th of Dhu al-Hijjah) and Arafah Fasting (9th of Dhu al-Hijjah), or June 4 and 5, 2025, before the following day, which is June 6, 2025, the day of Eid al-Adha. The last two days of fasting, namely Tarwiyah, is the most important act of worship to perform, with extraordinary virtues, especially for those who are not performing Hajj.

The Arafah fast itself has immense reward, and it is mentioned in several hadiths that fasting on Arafah can atone for the sins of the past year and the coming year. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to take this time to worship sincerely. So, for the year 2025, it is recommended to start fasting on May 28, 2025, and conclude with Arafah fasting on June 5, 2025.

3. Types of Eid al-Adha Fasting

Here are three types of fasting recommended before Eid al-Adha:

1. Dhu al-Hijjah Fasting (1-7 Dhu al-Hijjah)

• This fasting is performed during the first seven days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. This fasting has great virtue, as every act of worship performed during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is very beloved by Allah SWT. This fasting is recommended, although it is not as virtuous as the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasts, but it still provides great rewards.

2. Tarwiyah Fasting (8 Dhu al-Hijjah)

• This fasting is performed on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and has extraordinary virtue. The Tarwiyah fast can erase sins from the past year and is recommended as a tribute to the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim AS, who reflected on Allah's command to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail AS.

3. Arafah Fasting (9 Dhu al-Hijjah)

• This fasting is performed the day before Eid al-Adha, on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Arafah fast has immense virtue, as it can erase sins from the past year and the coming year. This fasting is highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage, as on this day, Muslims performing Hajj are at Arafah.

4. The Law of Fasting on Idul Adha

The law of the sunnah fast before Idul Adha is sunnah muakkad, meaning it is highly recommended but not obligatory. In other words, Muslims who observe this fast will receive great rewards, but those who do not observe it will not be sinful. This fast is a very good way to improve one's deeds and gain blessings from Allah SWT, especially during the first ten days of the month of Dzulhijjah.

The Arafah fast, which is observed on the 9th of Dzulhijjah, is considered a highly significant fast, as it can erase the sins of the past year and the coming year. The Tarwiyah fast on the 8th of Dzulhijjah also has similar virtues, although it is more recommended for those who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage.

Although the law of fasting before Idul Adha is sunnah, the blessings gained are immense, and it is encouraged for every Muslim who wishes to earn rewards in this blessed month to take advantage of it.

5. The Virtues of Eid al-Adha Fasting

Here are some of the virtues of Sunnah fasting before Eid al-Adha:

1.Removing Sins from the Past Year and the Coming Year

• The fast of Arafah, which is observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, can remove our sins from the past year and the coming year. This is mentioned in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW narrated by Muslim.

2.Gaining Multiplied Rewards

• Fasting during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, especially on the days of Tarwiyah and Arafah, is greatly loved by Allah SWT. Every act of worship performed on those days will have its rewards multiplied.

3.Getting Closer to Allah

• Fasting before Eid al-Adha serves as a way to enhance spiritual closeness to Allah SWT. During fasting, Muslims have the opportunity to pray and remember Allah more, as well as improve their good deeds.

4. Becoming Self-Purification

• This fast not only erases sins but also purifies oneself spiritually. By observing the fast before Eid al-Adha, Muslims can start the celebration with a clean heart and be ready to worship better.

5. Receiving Blessings on Eid al-Adha

• This Sunnah fast serves as a perfect spiritual preparation before celebrating Eid al-Adha. By taking advantage of these blessed days, Muslims can celebrate the holiday with gratitude and peace.

6. Freed from the Fire of Hell

• Finally, this Sunnah fast of Eid al-Adha can free Muslims who observe it from the fire of hell. This is in accordance with the hadith of Muslim, where Allah will keep His fasting servants on that day away from the flames of hell.
• :
• It means, "There is no day when Allah frees more servants from hell than the Day of Arafah, and indeed He draws near and boasts about them before the Angels, saying: 'What do they want?'" (HR Muslim)

6. Procedures and Intentions for Eid al-Adha Fasting

Fasting before Eid al-Adha, whether it is the fast of Dhu al-Hijjah, Tarwiyah, or Arafah, has a simple yet meaningful procedure. Below is a complete guide on the procedures and intentions for fasting on Eid al-Adha:

1. Procedures for Fasting on Eid al-Adha

• Intention: Like regular fasting, the intention is the first thing that must be done. The intention is made at night before dawn, by reciting the intention in the heart, followed by eating sahur before the dawn call to prayer is heard.
• Self-restraint: Just like obligatory fasting, during the sunnah fast before Eid al-Adha, one must refrain from everything that invalidates the fast, such as eating, drinking, and actions that diminish the reward of fasting.
• Time: The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. This sunnah fast is not only about abstaining from hunger and thirst, but is also accompanied by an increase in worship such as prayers, dhikr, and supplication.
• Sunnah Practices: In addition to refraining from things that invalidate the fast, it is highly recommended to increase dhikr and supplication during the fast, as well as perform night prayers (Tahajud) to enhance the quality of worship.

2. Intention for Dhu al-Hijjah Fasting

• For the fast of Dhu al-Hijjah performed from the 1st to the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the intention to be recited is: "Nawaitu shouma syahri dzulhijjah sunnatan lillahi ta'ala." (Meaning: "I intend to fast the sunnah of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.")
• Intention for Tarwiyah Fast (8 Dhu al-Hijjah): The Tarwiyah fast is performed on the 8th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, and the intention is: "Nawaitu shauma tarwiyata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala." (Meaning: "I intend to fast the sunnah of Tarwiyah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.")
• Intention for Arafah Fast (9 Dhu al-Hijjah): The Arafah fast is performed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, and the intention to be recited is: "Nawaitu shauma arafata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala." (Meaning: "I intend to fast the sunnah of Arafah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.") Supplications and Worship During Fasting

3. Supplication

• During fasting, one should increase supplications, both those taught in hadith and personal prayers. Asking for forgiveness, blessings, and health to carry out fasting well is highly recommended.

4. Dhikr and Sunnah Prayers

• In addition to refraining from hunger and thirst, improving the quality of other acts of worship such as dhikr and performing sunnah prayers can bring one closer to Allah. Especially at night, the tahajjud prayer is highly recommended to seek forgiveness and blessings.

7. Questions and Answers About Fasting Before Eid al-Adha

When does fasting before Eid al-Adha begin?

Fasting before Eid al-Adha begins on the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah, and it is highly recommended to fast on the 8th and 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

What types of fasting are performed before Eid al-Adha?

The types of fasting before Eid al-Adha are Dhu al-Hijjah Fasting, Tarwiyah Fasting on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, and Arafah Fasting on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Is Arafah fasting obligatory?

Arafah fasting is a highly recommended Sunnah, but it is not obligatory. For those who do not perform the Hajj pilgrimage, this fast is strongly encouraged.

What are the virtues of fasting before Eid al-Adha?

Fasting before Eid al-Adha, especially Arafah fasting, can erase sins from the past year and the coming year, as well as earn great rewards.

How do you intend to fast before Eid al-Adha?

The intention for fasting before Eid al-Adha can be made by saying the intention in the heart and on the tongue, such as "Nawaitu shauma tarwiyata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala" for Tarwiyah fasting, and "Nawaitu shauma arafata sunnatan lillahi ta'ala" for Arafah fasting.

(kpl/frr)