Sunna Practices Before Eid al-Adha Prayer
Muslims commemorate Eid al-Adha annually, and it is customary for worshippers to observe specific Sunnah practices before and after the prayer. Here are eight key Sunnah practices that Muslims are encouraged to follow prior to the Eid prayer:
- **Dressing Elegantly for the Eid Prayer**
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to wear special attire on the two Eids and on Fridays.
- **Men Applying Fragrance**
This practice is in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
- **Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath)**
Some scholars have indicated that it is recommended to perform Ghusl on Eid, similar to the practice before Friday prayers, in recognition of the day when people gather for worship.
- **Offering Eid al-Adha Prayer Early**
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to offer the Eid al-Adha prayer early in the day, typically when the sun is at a height equivalent to the length of a spear. This practice serves a purpose, as people need to sacrifice their offerings, and it is preferable to do so at the beginning of the day, thus adhering to the Sunnah.
- **Postponing the Meal Until After the Eid Prayer**
On Eid al-Adha, it is recommended for Muslims to delay their meal until they have sacrificed their offering, refraining from eating until after the sacrifice has been made, and then consuming from that offering.
- **Walking to the Prayer**
It is recommended for Muslims to walk to the prayer site, as each step counts as a good deed.
It is encouraged to return via a different path than the one taken to the prayer site to maximize the locations of worship performed.
- **Arriving Early for the Prayer**
Congregants should arrive early while walking after the dawn prayer, appearing in their best attire, and allow the Imam to arrive later, which helps maake room for worshippers to join the first row and remember Allah while waiting for the prayer. This encourages competition in goodness, a practice demonstrated by Ibn Umar.
Muslims are encouraged to openly recite Takbir during Eid al-Adha, as it is a significant aspect of the day. This involves saying: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah; Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillah al-hamd,” thus fulfilling Allah’s command in the Quran: (So that you may complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for what He has guided you to, and perhaps you will be grateful).
Sunna Practices After Eid al-Adha Prayer
The day of Eid is one filled with joy and celebration for Muslims, who extend greetings to one another, visit loved ones, and engage in acts of kindness. On this day, prayers are abundant for success and blessings in health and wealth. There are specific Sunna practices that are recommended after the Eid prayer, which include:
Expressing Joy and Engaging in Permissible Recreation
As narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), “Abu Bakr entered while two girls from the Ansar were singing songs about what happened on the day of Buath. He said, ‘Are there musical instruments of the devil in the house of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on this day of Eid?’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) responded, ‘O Abu Bakr, every community has its holiday, and this is our holiday.’
Attending the Eid Khutbah After Prayer
Scholars have suggested that sitting for the Eid Khutbah is preferable to standing. This is supported by a narration from Abdullah ibn Al-Sa’ib (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported, “I witnessed the Eid with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). After the prayer, he said: ‘We are going to deliver a sermon; whoever wishes to stay for the sermon may do so, and whoever wishes to leave may leave.’