Monday, August 29, 2011

Eitiquette of Eid Al-Fitr

By Mohammed Aqil

Muslims throughout the world fast during the month of Ramadan, offer late night prayers, and indulge in all kinds of pious activities. At the end of a whole month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr which falls on the first day of Shawwal.

The Eid prayers comprise two Rak’ahs led by the Imam, followed by a Khutba (sermon).

Following are some of rituals that one must carry out on Eid Al-Fitr

Adorn oneself according to Islamic rules.
Have a bath.
Use miswaak.
Wear the best of clothing which one may have.
Apply perfume.
Wake up very early in the morning.
Reach early at the place for Eid prayers.
Eat something sweet, such as dates, before going to the Eid prayers.
Give the Sadaqat Al-Fitr before going for Eid prayers
Offer Eid prayers in the place of Eid prayers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Pray as you have seen me praying.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari.
Listen to the Eid Khutba
Return from the Eid praying place, taking a different route than the one that he had taken when going towards the Eid congregation.

Women can go and offer Eid prayers as well.
It is narrated that Umm ‘Atiyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “We were commanded (and in one report it says, he commanded us – meaning the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to bring out for the Eid prayers the adolescent girls and the women in seclusion, and he commanded the menstruating women to avoid the prayer-place of the Muslims.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 1/93; Muslim, 890. According to another report: “We were commanded to come out and to bring out the adolescent girls and those in seclusion.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

According to a report narrated by Al-Tirmidhi: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to bring along the virgins, adolescent girls, women in seclusion and menstruating women on the occasion of both Eid ul-Fitr and Eid-ul Adha, but the menstruating women were to keep away from the prayer place and witness the gathering of the Muslims. One of them said, “Messenger of Allah, what if she does not have a jilbaab (garment)?” He said, “Then let her sister lend her one of her jilbaabs (garments).” __

Source: The Saudi Gazette

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