Eid al Fitr – Golden Words of Allah (episode 43)

“You should complete the number (of fasting days) and glorify Allah for His guidance to you, so that you may be grateful.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. We testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, (pbuh), is His slave and Messenger.

Introduction
Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, a day of celebration. It is not merely a celebration but a moment of gratitude, Allah, in His boundless mercy, commands:

“You should complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for His guidance, so that you may be grateful.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Eid is a gift, a seal upon the month of patience, a moment when tongues are filled with Takbir, hearts with gratitude, and hands with charity. It is a day of purification through Zakat al-Fitr, a day of prayerin congregation, and a day of brotherhood and unity among the Ummah.

As the sun rises on this blessed morning, the believer stands forgiven, adorned not just in fine garments but in the mercy of his Lord. The fasting soul has tasted hunger, now it tastes the sweetness of Allah’s acceptance.

Here are some ethical principles of Eid al-Fitr, the Sunnah and practices:

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions observed several practices on Eid al-Fitr, which have become Sunnah for we believers to follow:

Taking a Ghusl Before heading to the Eid prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) would perform ghusl as a mark of cleanliness and renewal of intention. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet would wear his finest clothes on Eid. This reflects the dignity and honour associated with the occasion.

Eating Before the Eid Prayer, It is also Sunnah to eat something before leaving for the Eid prayer, preferably dates in odd numbers. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 953)

Going to the Eid Prayer via One Route and Returning via Another, The Prophet would take one route to the Eid prayer and return from another, as reported by Jabir ibn Abdullah (AS). This Sunnah signifies spreading the greetings of Eid and meeting different people along the way.

The Obligation of Zakat al-Fitr, One of the most emphasized obligations of Eid al-Fitr is giving Zakat al-Fitr. The Prophet  said: “The fast remains suspended between Heaven and Earth until the Sadaqat al-Fitr is given.” (Ibn Abbas, Sunan Abu Dawood 1609)

Quranic verse: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase, and invoke blessings upon them.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)

Note: Zakat al-Fitr is mandatory upon every Muslim who possesses excess provisions, ensuring that even the less fortunate can partake in the joy of Eid.

The Eid Prayer and Takbeer, Allah commands us to remember Him with Takbeer on Eid. Quranic reference: “And so that you complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

The Sunnah is to recite the Takbeer from the night of Eid until the start of the prayer: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillah al-hamd.”

Also wearing the best of attires and exchanging greetings, It is Sunnah to wear one’s best attire on Eid, as practiced by the Prophet and his companions. Ibn Umar reported that Umar suggested the Prophet wear fine clothes for Eid (Bukhari, Muslim). The companions of the Prophet would greet each other on Eid by saying Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept [good deeds] from us and you) (Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari).

And Allah knows best…

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