Sunnah Acts to be Performed on Eid ul-Fitr
Just the word ‘Eid’ brings a smile to the face of any Muslim during the long month of Ramadan. Many of us have already started decorating our houses, ordering our Eid outfits and are already waiting for that all important text message about the arrival of this special day. However, putting on our best clothes and celebrating are not the only things we should do on this special day. In today’s article we will look at some of the Sunnah acts to be performed on the day of Eid.
Take Ghusl before the Eid Salah - As Muslims, hygiene is a fundamental part of our religion and as Ibn Abbas narrated: 'The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to have a bath on the day of Fitr' [Ibn Majah]. We are encouraged to do the same and in doing so we make sure that gatherings and family festivities are an enjoyable affair.
Eating before prayer - For Eid ul-Fitr, it is a Sunnah to eat a meal so as not to extend the fast. Just as our Prophet (saw) did not set out on the day of Eid until he had eaten an odd number of dates, we can also follow his example and do the same.
Putting on Attar – Attar is essentially fragrance for men. Using Attar is Sunnah and is also highly recommended as it creates a pleasant aura and just as our Prophet Muhammad (saw) applied Attar on Eid occasions, men are also encouraged to do the same.
Takbeer - On route to the place of Eid prayer Takbeer ul-Eid should be recited softly on Eid ul-Fitr. The Eid Takbeer is:
'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd'
Congratulating each other - On Eid we often congratulate each other with greetings such as ‘Eid Mubarak’. However, a better way to do this is to take the examples of the Sahabah (ra). It was narrated by Sayyidina Jubayr ibn Nufayr (ra), that the Sahabahs (ra) used to greet each other on the day of Eid with the following greeting: ‘Taqabbal Allaahu Minnaa Wa Minka’ which means 'May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you.' (Fathul-Bari)
Routes to salah al-Eid - As narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah: 'On the Day of Eid the Prophet used to return after offering the Eid prayer through a way different from that by which he went' (Bukhari). The reasoning behind this is so that on The Day of Judgement the two paths will testify that you attended this salah.
Perform salah al-Eid - Eid salah must not be missed, as it is a fundamental part of Eid festivities. As narrated by Abdullah bin Umar: 'Allah’s Apostle used to offer the prayer of Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutbah after the prayer.' (Bukhari). You can see our article How to Perform Eid Prayer if you want to know more on how to perform this prayer correctly.
Lastly, we all need to ensure that we have paid our Zakat al-Fitr before the start of Eid prayers. This is compulsory on all members of your household and cannot be made up for if neglected. If you haven’t paid your Zakat al-Fitr for this year, you can do so by calling us at 021 633 6413 or making your payment online on our website muslimhands.org.za
From all of us at Muslim Hands, we would like to wish you a wonderful Eid al-Fitr. May Allah (swt) accept all of our fasts and prayers and bring us all endless joy on this blessed day.
