When is Tarwiyah Fasting in 2026? Schedule, Niyyah, Procedures, and Merits
As Eid al-Adha 1447 AH / 2026 approaches, Muslims worldwide are encouraged to increase the performance of sunnah worship. One sunnah frequently observed, besides the Arafah fast, is Tarwiyah fasting.
This highly recommended (sunnah mu’akkadah) act is performed on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is also considered one of the highly meritorious deeds just before the Arafah fast.
Tarwiyah fasting is a sunnah observance performed on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, exactly one day before the Arafah fast, two days before Eid al-Adha. The word “Tarwiyah” derives from the Arabic ‘ar-rawi’, meaning to carry water or to reflect, and refers to the tradition of pilgrims in earlier times preparing water before proceeding to Arafah.
Tarwiyah fasting is a highly recommended Sunnah, particularly for Muslims who are not performing Hajj. Besides the great reward, this practice also acts as a spiritual preparation before Eid al-Adha.
When is Tarwiyah Fasting Observed?
If we follow the initial declaration of the Dhu al-Hijjah calendar, the details are as follows:
1 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH: Monday, 18 May 2026
8 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH: Monday, 25 May 2026 (Tarwiyah fast)
9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH: Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (Arafah fast)
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (Eid al-Adha)
Recitation of the intention for Tarwiyah fasting
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ تَرْوِيَةٍ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
“Nawaitu shauma tarwiyatin sunnatan lillaahi ta’aalaa”
Meaning: “I intend to fast Tarwiyah, a Sunnah for Allah the Exalted.”
Procedures for observing Tarwiyah fasting
Before undertaking this highly encouraged sunnah, there are several steps from intention to breaking the fast:
- Reading the intention for Tarwiyah fasting
The intention can be recited in the heart as a form of sincerity in performing the act.
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ تَرْوِيَةٍ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shauma tarwiyatin sunnatan lillaahi ta’aalaa
Meaning: “I intend to fast Tarwiyah, a Sunnah for Allah the Exalted.”
- Suhoor
It is a Sunnah recommended before observing this fast, as stated in a hadith: “Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing” (HR. Bukhari)
- Guarding conduct
During the fast, Muslims are advised to guard their manner and behaviour to avoid reducing the reward of the fast. This includes refraining from foul language, backbiting, and quarrelling.
- Hastening to break the fast
In Islam, hastening to break the fast when the Maghrib adhan is heard is highly encouraged. The supplication for breaking the fast is:
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
“Allahumma laka shumtu wa bika amantu wa ’ala rizqika afthartu.”
Meaning: “O Allah, I have fasted for You, and I believe in Your provision, and I break my fast with Your sustenance.”
What are the merits of Tarwiyah fasting?
Abundant reward
Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Spiritual preparation
Drawing closer to Allah SWT
Training patience and sincerity.
Although this practice is not obligatory, Tarwiyah fasting is one of the Sunnah mu’akkadah practices awaited by Muslims ahead of Eid al-Adha. By understanding the explanations, intentions, procedures, and timing, it is hoped that all Muslims can perform this worship with perseverance and increase their taqwa and gratitude to Allah SWT.