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

Metaphorically, these are days of praising 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 read. 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 (by 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 of the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah (on 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 actual Days of At-Tashrik, it is especially loud.

Second, eat the meat of the sacrificial animals. The first two days (May 28th-29th) are favorable for slaughtering and preparing. The meat is divided: a third for oneself and one's family, a third for relatives, a third for the poor. It is not allowed to fast during these days. Fasting on the Days of At-Tashrik is forbidden (haram), because this is the time of feast and joy.

Third, visit relatives, reconcile with those with whom one is in a quarrel, give gifts to children. It is undesirable to swear, argue, or settle disputes during these days.

Fourth, clean, but not too energetically. It is allowed to work, but it is desirable to reduce the workload.

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." It is not allowed to fast during these days, even if you are observing a voluntary fast. The exception is a person who did not find a sacrificial animal and fasted the first two days of Eid al-Adha (but this is a special situation, it is better to ask an 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 starve.

However, drinking water is allowed 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 are to go to the mosque for collective prayers (additional, not obligatory). Families can play board games, watch movies (not sinful).

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

It is also 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 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 these days, they also sacrifice sacrificial animals (sheep, cows, camels). After which they leave 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 hajj follow the pilgrims spiritually at home: read takbir, rejoice.

Takbir during 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, at meals.

During the Days of At-Tashrik, takbir can be listened to on record, but it is better to say it yourself.

What is not allowed to do during the Days of At-Tashrik

It is forbidden to fast (this is a sin). It is forbidden to swear and argue (this ruins the festival). It is forbidden to refuse a treat if asked. It is forbidden to throw away the meat of the sacrificial animals — it must be eaten or given away. It is forbidden to throw bones in the trash — they must be buried or given to the poor.

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

Women during their menstrual period are not forbidden to eat meat and participate in the celebration, but they do not recite takbir (unclean 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 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, the people dress in new jelabiyas. In India and Pakistan: meat is distributed to the poor, ancestors' graves are visited.

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

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

Conclusion: the last day, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah

After sunset on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Days of At-Tashrik end. Takbir is read until the last prayer (asr) inclusive. The next day, life returns to normal. If there is any meat left, it is agreed to eat it or freeze it. Some families prepare a festive meal again to farewell 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 a Muslim neighbor or just smile. The festival is for everyone.

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