Prophetic Sayings Regarding the Etiquette of Eid
The etiquettes of Eid are enriched by numerous Hadiths and prophetic traditions that were observed by the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and subsequently followed by the Successors and the righteous ancestors. Here are some of the key etiquettes observed during this significant occasion:
Performing Ghusl (Purification)
It is well-documented through authentic reports from the Companions and Successors that performing Ghusl is recommended, with its time commencing at midnight. Nafi, the freedman of Ibn Umar, narrated: “Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would take a bath on the Day of Eid before heading out.”
Eating Before Departure
This particular practice pertains to Eid al-Fitr, where it is traditional to eat a few dates beforehand. Conversely, on Eid al-Adha, it is preferred to refrain from eating until after performing the prayer with one’s sacrifice. Al-Bukhari reported from Anas ibn Malik who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would not leave for Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates, and it was said that he would eat them in odd numbers.”
Takbir (Exalting Allah)
Takbir represents one of the significant manifestations of Islamic devotion. Allah Almighty states: “And complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; perhaps you will be grateful.” The time for Takbir on Eid al-Fitr commences from the night of Eid until the Imam arrives to lead the Eid prayer. It is reported in the Sunnah that Ibn Umar would leave for the prayer site from the mosque, raising his voice in Takbir until reaching the place of prayer, continuing until the Imam arrived.
Exchanging Greetings
The practice of greeting was well-known among the Companions, and the scholars have endorsed it. Jabir ibn Nufayr reported that “The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would, upon meeting each other on Eid, say to one another: ‘May Allah accept from us and from you.’”
Applying Fragrance and Dressing Neatly
This is a commendable Sunnah to observe prior to the prayer. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned: “Umar saw a man dressed in a silk garment and brought him to the Prophet (peace be upon him), saying: ‘O Messenger of Allah, buy this garment and adorn yourself for Eid and for receiving guests.’ The Prophet replied: ‘Only those who have no portion in the Hereafter wear silk.’ Later, the Prophet sent him a silk garment, and the man asked: ‘You sent me this, though you have said what you said about it?’ The Prophet replied: ‘I sent it to you so that you might possess wealth through it.’”
The Legitimacy of the Eid Prayer
Eid is associated with significant acts of worship such as fasting and pilgrimage. It embodies gratitude to Allah for facilitating worship and the hope for its acceptance. Engaging in prescribed acts of worship afterward, particularly the Eid prayer, forms an essential component of this gratitude. The evidence for the legitimacy of the Eid prayer is derived from several Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including:
- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated: “I went out with the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the day of Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, and he prayed, then delivered a sermon, and subsequently addressed the women, giving them advice and encouraging them to give in charity.”
- Umm Atiyyah, Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with her), said: “We were commanded to go out on the day of Eid, even bringing out the young girls from their seclusion, and the menstruating women would stay behind the people, all raising their voices in Takbir with them and supplicating, hoping for the blessings and purification of that day.”