Before, during and after Eidul-Fitr

In prescribing the methods to celebrate this happy day, Islam has adopted another unique approach. The festivals of other religions or nations normally comprise of solely acts of rejoicing and enjoyment. The whole day of celebration is normally spent in dancing, singing and play.In contrast, Islam has prescribed a simple yet graceful way to observe […]

In prescribing the methods to celebrate this happy day, Islam has adopted another unique approach. The festivals of other religions or nations normally comprise of solely acts of rejoicing and enjoyment. The whole day of celebration is normally spent in dancing, singing and play.
In contrast, Islam has prescribed a simple yet graceful way to observe the joyous day. First, it is mandatory on all wealthy Muslims to start their day by paying Sadaqat al-Fitr to the poor of their community, so that they, too, may enjoy the day along with others.
After paying the sadaqat al-Fitr, the Muslims are required to proceed to an open place where they can offer the Eid prayer collectively. In this way, they are expected to present themselves before their Creator and offer two raka‘ahs of this special type of prayer which allows them to receive blessings from Allah and commence their celebration with divine blessings.
After the salat also, they are expected to rejoice in a responsible manner, without violating the limits prescribed for them or indulging in any acts prohibited by Allah.
The night preceding Eid al-Fitr: It was the practice of the Prophet, pbuh, that he would not sleep on the night preceding the day of Eid ul-Fitr. This night has been named in a hadith as the Night of Reward (Laylat al-Ja’izah). Allah Almighty bestows his rewards on those who have spent the month of Ramadan abiding by the dictates of the Shari’ah and all their prayers in this night are accepted. The Prophet, pbuh, is reported to have said:
Whoever stands up (in worship) on the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die. (IbnMajah)
To benefit from this opportunity, one should perform as much worship on this night as possible and pray for all one’s needs and desires.
Before going to Eid prayer
The following acts are prescribed as sunnah at the beginning of the day of Eid-ul-Fitr before proceeding to the ‘Id prayer:
1. To wake up early in the morning.
2. To clean one’s teeth with a miswak or a brush.
3. To take a bath.
4. To put on one’s best available clothing.
5. To wear perfume.
6. To eat sweet food, preferably dates, before the Eid prayer.
7. To recite the following takbir in the low voice while going to the ‘Id prayer: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La IlahaIlla Allah WaAllahu Akbar Allahu Akbar WaLillahi al-Hamd
Sadaqat al-Fitr: Sadaqat al-Fitr is an obligation for every Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent, either in the form of money, ornaments, stock-in-trade, or in the form of some goods or commodities beyond one’s normal needs. Every person who owns such an amount has to pay sadaqat al-Fitr, not only on behalf of himself but also on behalf of his minor children.
Sadaqat al-fitr obligatory upon each adult male or female separately, and the relevant adult person himself is responsible to pay it. The husband is not required to pay sadaqat al-Fitr on behalf of his wife nor is the wife required to pay it on behalf of her husband. It is the duty of every adult member of the family to discharge his own obligation or to request the head of the family to pay it on his or her behalf.
It is a sunnah that the sadaqat al-Fitr be paid before performing the Eid prayer. It can also be paid before the Eid day, but it is not advisable to delay it up to the performance of the Eid prayer.
Sadaqat al-Fitr should be paid only to a person who is entitled to receive zakat.
The Eid Prayer
The second obligatory act on Eid day is to perform the Eid prayer. Some rules in this respect are:
1. The Eid prayer is wajib (obligatory) on every male Muslim.
2. The Eid prayer can be performed any time between sunrise and when the sun reaches its zenith (beginning of the Zuhr prayer time).
3. It is preferable that the Eid prayer is performed at an open field and not in a masjid. However, if, it is difficult for any reason to perform it in an open field, it can also be performed in a large masjid.
4. No nafl salat is performed before the Eid prayer, neither in one’s home nor at the place of Eid prayer. Similarly, nafl prayer cannot be performed after the Eid prayer at the same place. However, it can be performed after one comes back to his home.
5. The Eid prayer has neither adhan nor iqamah.
Khutbah: The Eid al-Fitr Sermon: Khutbah is a sunnah for Eid salat and is delivered afterwards, unlike the salat of Jumu‘ah where it is fard and is delivered before the salat. However, listening to the khutbah of Eid salat is wajib (necessary) and must be observed in perfect silence.