Eid al-Fitr in Iran
Eid al-Fitr marks the close of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and is an official public holiday in Iran. Iranian law sets a two-day holiday for the first and second of Shawwal; this entry is assigned to 2 Shawwal.[1][5]
A two-day public holiday
Iran’s official-holidays law names Eid al-Fitr as a national holiday for two days: the first and second of Shawwal. The law does not state a general substitute-day rule for when either date falls on a weekly rest day.[1]
The Labour Law treats official holidays as separate from workers’ annual leave. It also entitles workers paid for commission-based work to wages for official holidays. The sources establish the holiday’s legal status, but do not provide a single rule covering the opening hours of every public office, bank, school, shop or transport service.[2]
Meaning and date
Eid al-Fitr is the festival that follows the completion of Ramadan. Encyclopaedia Iranica describes it as one of the major Islamic festivals celebrated by both Shiites and Sunnis, giving it a place in Iran’s religious calendar across communities.[5]
The date is tied to the Islamic calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date. Iran’s law specifies the first and second days of Shawwal, while this entry is assigned to the second day. That distinction explains why the legal holiday spans two dates.[1]
Prayer and giving
Eid prayer is a religious observance associated with the holiday. A guide published by the Qom representative office of the Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works describes the prayer as two cycles and gives its time as from sunrise until noon on Eid day.[3]
Zakat al-fitr, also called fiṭrah, is another observance connected with the end of Ramadan. The official website of Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani describes it as an obligation, under the stated conditions, to provide staple food or its monetary value for eligible recipients. The site lists wheat, barley, dates, raisins and rice among examples.[4]
What visitors should expect
Because the law designates both days as public holidays, routine appointments and services that follow official working calendars may be affected. The cited law does not give a schedule for banks, government counters, shops or public transport, so travelers should check the specific provider or venue before making plans.[1]
The statute lists two holiday days and does not set out a nationwide Eid travel pattern or guarantee that transport runs on a normal or holiday timetable. Check operators directly for service hours and booking details, especially if a journey depends on a particular connection.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Fitr a day off in Iran?
When is the holiday observed?
The law names the first and second days of Shawwal. This calendar entry is assigned to 2 Shawwal; the Gregorian date changes because the holiday is set by the Islamic calendar.[1]
Are banks, shops and government offices open?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
Does public transport run during Eid?
Transport operators set their own hours, so check the relevant bus, rail or airline operator for its service schedule.
Is zakat al-fitr required?
Religious guidance describes zakat al-fitr as an obligation for people who meet the stated conditions, payable as staple food or its value for eligible recipients. Individual guidance may vary, so consult the religious authority you follow.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Holyday for Fetr Eeid in Iran:
- لایحه قانونی تعیین تعطیلات رسمی کشور- Nezamat legal database
- LABOUR LAW.PDF- International Labour Organization, NATLEX
- نمایندگی قم-موسسه تنظیم و نشر آثار امام خمینی - زمزم احکام- Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works, Qom representative office
- THE FIṬRAH ALMS TAX (ZAKĀT AL‑FIṬRAH)- The Official Website of the Office of His Eminence Al-Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani
- FESTIVALS iii. Shi'ite- Encyclopaedia Iranica