Immediately after Eid al-Adha come the Days of At-Tashrik. Three days when Muslims around the world recite special words, eat meat from sacrificial animals, and do not fast. In 2026, Eid al-Adha fell on May 27, so the Days of At-Tashrik are May 28, 29, and 30. What are these days? Why are they called "dry"? And what is forbidden? We tell you simply and in detail.

What does "At-Tashrik" mean

The word "at-tashrik" (التشريق) comes from the Arabic "sharrika" — "to raise." Literally, it means to dry meat in the sun. In the old days, after the sacrifice, the meat was cut into thin strips and dried on the roofs of houses to preserve it. Therefore, the days were called "the time of drying."

In a metaphorical sense, these are days of glorifying Allah. During these days, takbir (the words "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illa-Allah, wa-Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa li-Allahil-hamdu") is recited. Right after each obligatory prayer.

The Days of At-Tashrik last from the 11th to the 13th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah (in the Islamic calendar). In the Gregorian calendar, they are immediately after Eid al-Adha.

What to do on the Days of At-Tashrik

First, recite takbir. This is obligatory for men in the mosque, women can do it at home. Takbir begins after the morning prayer on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah (the day of Arafat) and continues until sunset on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah (that is, through the Days of At-Tashrik). But on the Days of At-Tashrik, it is especially loud.

Second, eat the meat of sacrificial animals. The first two days (May 28-29) are favorable for slaughtering and preparing. The meat is divided: a third for oneself and family, a third for relatives, a third for the poor. Fasting is forbidden during these days. Fasting on the Days of At-Tashrik is haram because this is the time of feast and joy.

Third, visit relatives, reconcile with those with whom you are at odds, give gifts to children. It is undesirable to swear, argue, or resolve disputes during these days.

Fourth, clean up, but not too strenuously. It is permissible to work, but it is desirable to reduce it.

Why is fasting forbidden

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The Days of At-Tashrik are the days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah." Fasting is forbidden during these days, even if you are observing an optional fast. The exception is a person who did not find a sacrificial animal and fasts the first two days of Eid al-Adha (but this is a special situation, it is better to ask the imam).

Fasting during these days is considered a sin because Allah has given a festival, and you are refusing the gift. Even if you are on a diet, it is better to eat a piece of meat than to fast.

However, drinking water is permissible in any quantity.

How to behave during the Days of At-Tashrik

The rules are simple. Do not swear, envy, or gossip. Go to visit, invite guests. Give treats (meat, sweets). Wear clean clothes. Allow children to have more sweets than usual.

Women are allowed to adorn themselves, use perfumes (but not to attract strangers). Men should go to the mosque for collective prayers (additional, not obligatory). Families should play board games, watch movies (not sinful).

Those who cannot celebrate: the sick, travelers, soldiers. But they are allowed to eat meat if available.

It is customary to donate money to charity during the Days of At-Tashrik — not only meat but also money and clothing.

How are the Days of At-Tashrik connected to the hajj

Pilgrims are in the valley of Mina, near Mecca, at this time. There they throw stones at the pillars symbolizing Satan (the devil). This lasts for three days: 11, 12, 13 Dhu al-Hijjah. During the same days, they sacrifice sacrificial animals (sheep, cows, camels). After that, they come out of the state of ihram and return to ordinary life.

For pilgrims, the Days of At-Tashrik are the most physically demanding: heat, crowds, the risk of stampedes. But spiritually, it is a time of purification.

Those who are not in the hajj follow the pilgrims spiritually at home: recite takbir, rejoice.

Takbir on the Days of At-Tashrik: how to pronounce

In Arabic: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illa-Allah, wa-Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa li-Allahil-hamdu."

Translation: "Allah is great, Allah is great, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is great, Allah is great, and all praise is due to Allah."

It is pronounced after each obligatory prayer (fard) until sunset on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Men — loudly, women — softly. It can also be read at any time of the day, especially when meeting guests, during meals.

During the Days of At-Tashrik, takbir can be listened to in recorded form, but it is better to recite it yourself.

What is forbidden to do on the Days of At-Tashrik

Fasting is forbidden (it is a sin). Do not swear and argue (it ruins the festival). Do not refuse a treat if asked. Do not throw away the meat of sacrificial animals — it must be eaten or given away. Do not throw bones in the trash — they should be buried or given to the poor.

Do not work full-time if not necessary (but work is not forbidden). Do not skip takbir without a reason. Do not sleep all day — it is disrespectful to the festival.

Women during their menstrual period are not forbidden to eat meat and participate in the festival, but they do not recite takbir (impure state).

The Days of At-Tashrik in different countries

In Turkey: these days are called "Kurban bayram şeker bayramı" and fall on 3 days after the festival. Everything is closed (except hospitals), people go to visit relatives, eat lamb, bake börek (pies). In Saudi Arabia: pilgrims throw stones, and local residents decorate their homes with flags.

In Egypt: street festivals with music and dancing, people dress in new jelabiyas. In India and Pakistan: distribute meat to the poor, visit the graves of ancestors.

In Russia: in Chechnya, Dagestan, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, the Days of At-Tashrik are holidays (announced locally). People go to visit, give toys to children, eat meat, pilaf, kurze.

In Moscow: the Days of At-Tashrik are not a holiday, but Muslims ask for leave or take a vacation.

Conclusion: the last day, 13 Dhu al-Hijjah

After sunset on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Days of At-Tashrik end. Takbir is recited until the last prayer (asr) inclusive. The next day, life returns to its usual course. If there is any meat left, it is agreed to eat or freeze it. Some families prepare a festive meal again to say goodbye to the festival.

Muslims thank Allah for the opportunity to perform the sacrifice, for delicious food, for peace in the family. And look forward to the next year.

The Days of At-Tashrik are three days of joy, meat, and takbir. If you are a Muslim — congratulations. If not, join the good: treat your Muslim neighbor or just smile. The festival is for everyone.

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