12 Sunnah Acts You Should Perform on Eid-Ul-Fitr
We all look forward to the joyous occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr after successfully observing the blessed month of Ramadan. Many of us will have already started to decorate our houses, buy Eid gifts for our loved ones and order our new Eid outfits. To make the most of this joyous day, we have put together a list of 12 things you should do to ensure you follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (saws) on a joyous day!
1. Make du’a on the night of Eid
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘There are five nights on which du’a is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha`ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Nahr (al-Adha)’. (As-Suyuti)
2. Perform Ghusl before the Eid Salaah
As Muslims, cleanliness is a fundamental part of our religion. 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 a clean and enjoyable affair.
3. Eat before prayer
For Eid ul-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat some dates before the prayer so as not to extend the fast. Our Prophet (saw) did not set out on the day of Eid until he had eaten an odd number of dates, and we should follow His example.
4. Put on Attar
Just as our Prophet Muhammad (saw) applied Attar (perfume) on Eid occasions, men are also encouraged to do the same, to create a pleasant aura in the Masjid.
5. Put on your best outfit
It was customary for Prophet Muhammed (saws) and the early companions to wear their best clothes on the two Eids. In many cultures, parents will buy their children new clothes for Eid to celebrate and spread joy on a special occasion.
6. Pay Zakat al Fitr
It is important that we remember to pay Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) before the start of Eid prayers. Zakat al-Fitr (R50 per person) is compulsory on all members of your household, including children and the elderly, and cannot be made up for if neglected.
7. Takbeer
On the way to the masjid, Takbeer ul-Eid should be recited softly. The Eid Takbeer is:
‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd’
8. Routes to Eid Salaah
As narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah, ‘On the Day of Eid, the Prophet (saw) 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.
9. Congratulating each other
On Eid day, we often congratulate each other with greetings such as ‘Eid Mubarak’. However, a better way to greet each other is to take the example of the Sahabah (ra). It was narrated by Jubayr ibn Nufayr (ra), that the Sahabah (ra) used to greet each other on the day of Eid with: ‘Taqabbal Allaahu Minnaa Wa Minka’, which means ‘May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you’. (Fathul-Bari)
10. Perform Eid Salaah
Eid Salaah must not be missed, as it is a fundamental part of the 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)
11. Visit your Relatives.
It is a tradition to visit relatives, neighbours, and friends on Eid to celebrate and embrace the joyous occasion. It was said that this is one of the reasons why the Prophet (saws) changed his route when coming back from the Eid prayer place.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said concerning the ruling on that:
‘It was said that the wisdom behind that was so that he might visit his relatives, both living and dead; and it was said that it was to uphold ties of kinship’.
12. Give Eid Gifts - Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Give gifts and you will love one another."
Eid is a perfect time to give your loved one gifts to celebrate the special occasion. We have a fantastic range of Great Charity Gifts here at Muslim Hands that will put a smile on your loved one’s face knowing they are giving back to people in need.
When you buy a Great Charity Gift you will receive a personalised card to gift your loved one on Eid Ul-Fitr and you will both earn a share in the reward each time the gift benefits someone in need.
From all of us at Muslim Hands, we would like to wish you a wonderful Eid al-Fitr. May Allah (swt) accept all our fasts and prayers and bring us all endless joy on this blessed day.
