Eid: Pray, praise Allah, celebrate responsibly

Eid al-Fitr is one of the only two annual festivals recognised by the Shari’ah. The second, Eid al-Adha, is celebrated to mark the completion of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) and commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)), which is the fifth pillar of the religion of Allah. Allah Most High says in the Quran: […]

Eid al-Fitr is one of the only two annual festivals recognised by the Shari’ah. The second, Eid al-Adha, is celebrated to mark the completion of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) and commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)), which is the fifth pillar of the religion of Allah.
Allah Most High says in the Quran: “Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days…” [Baqara: 203]
The Companion Anas (AS) said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) migrated to the city of Madina and saw the people celebrating two days of festivities. He said, ‘What are these two days?’ The people of Madina replied, ‘They were days of festivities in the pre-Islamic era (jahaliyya).’ Then he said, ‘Verily Allah has replaced these two days with (what) is better for you-the day of Adha and the day of Fitr.’” [Abu Dawud].
Muslims across the world will have their hands full of meritorious Eid al-Fitr activities and celebration today; popularly called Sallah day in parts of Nigeria.
 The zakat (sadaqa) al-Fitr, sets off activities of the joyous day as Muslims give in charity to those in need, to enable them also celebrate the completion of Ramadan, the month of blessings, with family and friends. 
Zakat al-fitr, also known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking), is wajib (obligatory) on every Muslim – male or female, minor or adult – so long as he/she has the means to give it out. The amount to be given is the same for everyone regardless of their different financial clout.
The minimum amount for the zakat is one ‘Sa’i’ (four double adult palms full) of food, grains or dried fruits for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn Umar’s report that the prophet (PBUH) made zakat al-fitr compulsory and payable by a Sa’i of dates or of barley. A cash equivalent (of the food) may also be given, scholars explain.
The main purpose of zakat al-fitr is to provide the poor with a means with which to also celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (Eid al-Fitr) along with the rest of their fellow Muslims.
Those that the Shariah allows to receive zakat al-fitr are the eight categories of recipients mentioned in at-Tawbah (9:60) – the poor, the needy, collectors of zakat, reconciliation of hearts, freeing captives/slaves, debtors, those fighting for the cause of Allah (jihad) and the traveler/wayfarer.
 It is 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. Where one fails to pay it on its proper time, he/she should pay it as soon as possible.
Next, Muslims are required to proceed to the Eid prayer ground (or mosque as the case may be) where, led by the imam, they would offer the two special raka‘ats Eid prayer. The prayer opens up for them bountiful blessings from Allah (SWT).
They recite the following takbir in a low voice – while going, returning from the Eid prayer: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la Ilaha Illa Allah wa Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa Lillahi al-Hamd (meaning: Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God save Him. And Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. And to Allah belongs all praise). The azkar is recited after each fard Salat for three days after sallah day.
It is not permissible for one to perform supererogatory (nafl) prayers before the Eid prayer in the Eid prayer area or one’s house; perform supererogatory (nafl) prayers after the Eid prayer in the Eid prayer area (though praying them in one’s house is not disliked; fasting (this is completely disliked; one must, therefore, break one’s fast.
It was reported that Sa`id ibn Jubayr said: “Three things are Sunnah on Eid: to walk (to the place of prayer), to take a bath, and to eat before coming out (for Eid al-Fitr).”
The Khutbah, Eid al-Fitr sermon
The Khutbah is a sunnah for Eid salat and it is delivered afterwards, unlike the Juma‘ah prayer 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 silence.
The ummah should go to the Eid ground wearing their best clothes and perfume and to change their route while returning.
After the Eid salat, the Muslims are required to rejoice in a responsible manner, without violating the limits prescribed for them or indulging in any acts prohibited by Allah (SWT) – partying, picnicking, mingling of males and females, taking alcohol, other intoxicating substances, wearing revealing dresses, or other indecorous acts on the streets.
It is recommended that Muslims exchange visits with relatives, good neighbours and friends as part of the meritorious activities on Eid.
Wishing us all Eid kareem.