Sunan of 'Eid

It is true to say that although much information has reached us about Fasting and Ramadaan – authentic or otherwise, we know very little about the etiquettes of ‘Eid: what we are recommended to do in this day and what is obligatory for us to do. Below is a brief list of some of the prescribed practices of ‘Eid.

SUNAN AL-’EID

1. It is established from the Companion Ibn ‘Umar, that he used to bath on the morning of ‘Eid. The tabi’ee, Sa’eed ibn al Musayyib said: “The sunnah of the fitr is three: walking to the Prayer ground, eating before going out and taking a bath.” [Saheeh - Al Firyaabee & al-Irwaa (2/104)]

2. It is known that the companion Ibn ‘Umar would also dressed in his best clothes for the two ‘Eids as reported by Ibn Hajr in his Fathul-Baaree (2/439).

3. It is compulsory on all adult sane Muslims to pray the ‘Eid prayer. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his Companions never ceased doing it and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam commanded everyone including women, children and the elderly to attend. Even menstruating women should go to the place of congregation so that they may partake in the blessings .[Bukharee and Muslim]

4. It is Sunnah to eat dates before we leave for Al-’Eid prayer to show openly that we are not fasting on this day. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used not to leave for Al-Eid [al- Fitr] prayer except after eating some dates. [Reported by Anas bin Maalik & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. vol.2 p.40 no.73) & Ahmad.]

5. It is Sunnah to say takbeer loudly when leaving our homes to go to ‘Eid prayer and repeat these till the prayer starts. [Silsilatal- Ahaadeeth-Saheehah (no 171).]

6. It is preferable to pray the ‘Eid prayer on open ground and not at the masjid if possible. [Bukharee and Muslim]

7. Neither Adhaan nor Iqaamah are said for ‘Eid prayer. [Reported by Ibn 'Abbaas and Jaabir ibn 'Abdullah & collected in Saheeh al- Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. vol.2 p.40)]

8. It is Sunnah to say the extra takbeers i.e. say ‘Allaahu Akbar’ seven times in the first rak’ah and five times in the second. [Aboo Daawood, Ahmad & others.] It is preferable to only raise the hands to the shoulders after the first takbeer and then fold them upon the chest. However, it is authentically reported from Ibn ‘Umar radhiAllaahu ‘anhu that he would raise his hands with every takbeer.

9. It is Sunnah to take different routes to and from the prayer ground, preferably walking if possible. Jaabir reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam used to come back from the ‘Eid prayer on a path other than the one used in going to it. [Bukharee]

WHAT TO SAY ON THE DAY OF ‘Eid

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam would say takbeer loudly when travelling to go to the ‘Eid prayer. Ahadeeth have not reached us telling us exactly what he used to say, but Ibn Abee Shayhah narrated that Ibn Mas’ood, radhiAllaahu ‘anhu used to say the following:

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa eelaahaa ilallaah
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd

Allaah is Great, Allaah is Great, there is none worthy of worship except He.
Allaah is Great, Allaah is Great, and to Him belongs all Praise.

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, who never spoke of his own desire, said:

“Three supplications are answered: the supplication of the fasting person, the supplication of the one who is oppressed and the supplication of the traveller” . [Saheeh - Reported by al-'Uqailee in ad -Du'afaa.].

Therefore, in this month of Ramadaan, there is for you a supplication which will be answered. So seize this opportunity and call profusely upon Allaah during this month, and in particular at the time of breaking the fast (iftar), since the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Indeed there is for the fasting person when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.” [Reported in Ibn Maajah & others. Declared saheeh by al-Boosairee.]

And be sure in your heart that your du’aa will be answered and know that Allaah does not respond to a heedless and inattentive heart. Call upon Him with supplications for anything good and hopefully you will attain the good of this life and the Hereafter.

Source: Taken from “Ad-Dawah illallaah Magazine” via salaf-us-saalih.com