Characteristics of Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer consists of two units (rak’ahs). The first rak’ah begins with the opening Takbir (Allahu Akbar), followed by additional Takbirs by the worshipper. It is important to note that scholars have differing opinions on the number of Takbirs. According to the Hanafi school, there are three Takbirs after the opening Takbir, and three in the second rak’ah after the standing Takbir. The Shafi’i school, on the other hand, states that there are seven Takbirs in the first rak’ah following the opening Takbir, and five in the second rak’ah after the standing Takbir. This is based on a narration from al-Bukhari where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) made twelve Takbirs in Eid prayer, seven in the first rak’ah and five in the second.” Meanwhile, the Maliki and Hanbali scholars mentioned six Takbirs in the first rak’ah after the opening Takbir and five in the second after the standing Takbir.
Following the Takbirs, the worshipper completes the prayer by reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by Surah Qaf or Surah Al-A’la, concluding the rak’ah with bowing and two prostrations. The worshipper then stands for the second rak’ah, performs the Takbir, recites Surah Al-Fatiha again, followed by Surah Al-Qamar or Surah Al-Ghashiyah as established from the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is recommended to deliver two sermons (Khutbahs) after the prayer, similar to the Friday sermon, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) would address the people, encouraging them to give charity and do good deeds. The sermon serves to remind Muslims about the obligation of Zakat Al-Fitr, and clarifies the legality of the sacrifice (Udhiyah), including the Sunnahs and prohibitions related to it. It is also customary to keep the sermon concise and to begin with praise and gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
Eid Sunnahs
There are several recommended practices associated with Eid, including: encouraging men to declare Takbirs publicly, whether in homes, mosques, streets, or markets. The time for Takbirs begins on the eve of Eid Al-Fitr and continues until the Eid prayer. For Eid Al-Adha, the period starts from the beginning of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah. Regarding the form of Takbir, it can be performed in pairs by saying, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Walillah Al-Hamd,” or in odd numbers by saying, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Walillah Al-Hamd.” Other recommended practices include:
- Observing the nights preceding Eid with worship activities such as prayer, supplication, Quran recitation, remembrance, and glorification of Allah.
- Performing Ghusl (ritual washing), applying perfume, using a miswak, and wearing the best clothing, in emulation of the Friday prayer, showcasing the blessings of Allah – the Exalted – and expressing gratitude.
- Walking calmly and respectfully to the Eid prayer while trying to leave early to be closer to the Imam and earn the reward of waiting for the prayer.
- Using one route to go to the prayer and a different one to return.
- Consuming food before leaving for the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, preferably dates in an odd number, while for Eid Al-Adha, it is recommended to delay eating until after returning from the Eid prayer.
- Increasing charitable acts based on one’s ability and providing for one’s family.
- Displaying joy, cheerfulness, and kindness towards others, visiting relatives and friends to strengthen bonds of brotherhood.
- Performing the Eid prayer in an open field rather than a mosque, as preferred by the majority of scholars, though the Hanafi school recommends performing Fajr prayer in the local mosque before heading to the open space for Eid prayer. The Shafi’i view is that the Eid prayer is preferred in the mosque unless it is crowded, in which case it should be held in an open area.
- Engaging in voluntary prayers before or after the Eid prayer; the majority of scholars state that voluntary prayers before or after the Eid prayer are not allowed. However, the Shafi’i school allows voluntary prayers to be performed before Eid as long as it occurs after sunrise, and it is also permissible to undertake them after the Eid prayer for those who are not the Imam.
Religious Observances Associated with Eid
Zakat Al-Fitr
Zakat Al-Fitr is a form of charity that becomes obligatory due to the breaking of fast on the day of Eid. It is named ‘Fitr’ as it is required after fasting Ramadan. This charity is related to one’s obligation as it serves as an atonement for one’s self and body, obligatory upon every Muslim, supported by the narration of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakat Al-Fitr obligatory as a Sa’ of dates or a Sa’ of barley on every free man and slave, male and female, young and old among Muslims, and commanded that it be paid before the people go out for the prayer.” The amount of Zakat Al-Fitr is estimated as one Sa’ of food prevalent in each region, which is approximately 2.5 kg.
The Udhiyah
The Udhiyah refers to the animals sacrificed in a Sunnah manner, such as cattle, sheep, and camels, with the intention of slaughtering for this purpose. The time for the Udhiyah begins immediately after the Eid prayer and continues until sunset on the last day of Tashreeq. The significance of the Udhiyah lies in providing relief to the poor and meeting their needs. Scholars differ regarding the ruling of the Udhiyah, presenting two opinions: the first opinion, held by the majority of scholars, is that it is a Sunnah and not obligatory, supported by the narration of Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When the first ten days [of Dhul-Hijjah] enter, and one of you intends to offer a Udhiyah, let him not cut anything from his hair or nails.” The second opinion, held by the Hanafi school and some Maliki scholars, posits that the Udhiyah is obligatory for those who can afford it based on Allah’s command: “Therefore, pray to your Lord and sacrifice [the animals].”
The Ruling on Fasting on Eid Day
Fasting on the days of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha is prohibited due to the directives from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For instance, Imam Muslim reported that Umm al-Mu’minin Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) stated: “The Messenger of Allah prohibited fasting on two days: the day of Fitr and the day of Adha.” It is also prohibited to fast on the three days that follow the first day of Eid al-Adha, known as the days of Tashreeq, as supported by a narration from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), stating: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prohibited fasting on the days of Tashreeq, saying, these are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.” However, it is not forbidden to fast on the second and third days of Shawwal, which are the second and third days of Eid Al-Fitr.
Definition of Eid
The term “Eid” is derived from the Arabic root “عودة,” which means to return. Hence, it is called Eid because it returns annually, or it brings happiness and joy to Muslims, particularly during Eid Al-Fitr as a result of their obedience and worship of Allah during the month of Ramadan, and during Eid Al-Adha following the performance of the Hajj rituals and drawing closer to Allah through the sacrifice of animals, among other acts of worship.