The Sunnan of Eid
Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu ‘ala rasulullaah
Amma ba’d
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 (radiallaahu ‘anhumma) that he used to bathe on the morning of ‘Eid. The tabi’ee Sa’eed ibn al Musayyib (rahimahullaah) 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 (rahimahullaah) 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 [but not in the place where one actually prays].[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 (radiallaahu ‘anhu), collected in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. vol.2 p.40 no.73) and 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 (radiallaahu ‘anhum) and collected in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. vol.2 p.40)]
(Source: nonchalante)
