Rules of Eid al-Fitr – Golden Article

Regulations of Eid al-Fitr

Ruling on Fasting on Eid al-Fitr

Jurists unanimously agree on the prohibition of fasting on Eid day, whether it is Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. They also concur that it is permissible to fast on the days following Eid al-Fitr, as this celebration in Islamic law is recognized as a single day. Thus, fasting can be performed on the second and third days of Shawwal for making up missed Ramadan days or for voluntary fasting. The notion that Eid al-Fitr lasts more than one day does not have a basis in Islamic law and does not carry any specific rulings.

The Legitimacy of Eid al-Fitr Prayer

Allah has ordained for Muslims two festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, replacing the pre-Islamic festivities once celebrated by the Arabs. He has also prescribed the Eid prayer, supported by numerous pieces of evidence, including His statement: “(So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]).” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his esteemed companions regularly performed this prayer. Additionally, it is recommended for women to attend the prayer, provided they observe the relevant Islamic guidelines regarding dress and adornment when leaving their homes. Um Atiyah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that: “We were commanded to attend the Eid prayer, even bringing the young girls from their homes, so that the menstruating women might also join in, standing behind the people, proclaiming the Takbir and supplicating, hoping for the blessings and purity of that day.”

For more insights on the ruling concerning the Eid prayer, please refer to the article: ((Ruling on Eid Prayer)).

It is also recommended that after the Eid prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon suitable for the audience’s situation—addressing topics such as Zakat al-Fitr and its virtues on Eid al-Fitr, and speaking about the sacrifice on Eid al-Adha, along with its associated rulings and conditions. If the people come to know of the Eid only after midday, they should perform the prayer the following day. It has been reported by some companions that they informed the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) they saw the crescent after midday; he instructed them to break their fast and to go to the prayer the next morning. Moreover, there are several Sunnah practices of the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed on Eid al-Fitr, including:

Consuming something to eat before heading to the Eid prayer, as this signifies the completion of fasting.
Utilizing different routes to and from the Eid prayer.
Attending the prayer with one’s family, including spouse and children; however, menstruating women are exempt from the prayer and should only attend the sermon.
Performing the Eid prayer in an open area rather than within the mosque.
Greeting fellow Muslims warmly and praying for the acceptance of each other’s good deeds by Allah.
Taking a shower, applying perfume, and wearing new clothes.
Walking to the Eid prayer instead of using transportation.

For more details on the Sunnah practices of Eid al-Fitr, check the article: ((Sunnah of Eid al-Fitr)).

To learn more about the Eid al-Fitr prayer, please examine the following articles:

((How to Perform Eid al-Fitr Prayer)).
((How Many Takbir Are There in Eid Prayer)).
((How to Make Up for Eid Prayer)).

When Eid Falls on a Friday

When Eid coincides with Friday, there are varying opinions among scholars regarding the obligation of Friday prayer for those who attended the Eid prayer:

The majority of scholars from the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools assert that the Eid prayer does not substitute for the Friday prayer, and vice versa. However, the Shafi’i scholars permit villagers who attended the Eid prayer to forgo the Friday prayer, which should then be observed as a regular midday prayer.
The Hanbali scholars maintain that Friday prayer is exempt for those who have performed the Eid prayer, excluding the Imam, who is required to lead it for those who wish to attend, provided there is sufficient congregation. If not, it is to be performed as a midday prayer. Evidence for this view is narrated by Iyas al-Shami (may Allah be pleased with him), who reported that he witnessed a conversation between Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan and Zaid ibn Arqam, where the latter confirmed having attended two Eid prayers on the same day and said the Prophet (peace be upon him) allowed them to choose between attending the Friday prayer or not, stating: “Whoever wishes to pray may do so.”

For more information on the differences between Eid and Friday prayers, please refer to the article: ((Difference Between Eid Prayer and Friday Prayer)).

Legitimacy of Takbir on Eid al-Fitr

It is sunnah for Muslims to pronounce the Takbir aloud during Eid al-Fitr, a view supported by the majority of Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali scholars, as well as Abu Yusuf and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan from the Hanafi school. Evidence for this practice can be found in Allah’s command: “(And let the days be completed, and let you glorify Allah for what He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful).” This indicates the divine order to proclaim Takbir after the completion of Ramadan, specifically on Eid al-Fitr. The Takbir concludes after the Eid prayer, and its proclamation is general rather than time-bound; thus, there is consensus among the four schools that Takbir after the prayers is not recommended, as no authentic narration supports such a practice. The timeframe for the Takbir on Eid al-Fitr extends from the night preceding Eid until the completion of the Eid prayers. There is no specific wording established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), although it has been narrated from his companions: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd,” as well as “Allahu Akbar kabira, wa al-hamdu lillahi kathira.”

For further insights on the Takbirs of Eid al-Fitr, please explore the following articles:

((How Many Takbirs Are There on Eid al-Fitr)).
((Takbirs of Eid)).

Legitimacy of Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr, also known as the charity of breaking fast, is an obligatory act associated with the end of Ramadan. It is given to those in need to seek reward from Allah (exalted be He). Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as a means of purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity and as a meal for the poor.” Zakat al-Fitr was mandated in the second year after Hijrah. The time for giving it begins after sunset on the last day of Ramadan and extends until the Eid prayer, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed its distribution before the prayer, stating: “Whoever gives it before the prayer, it will be an accepted Zakat, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it will count as regular charity.” It is permissible for a Muslim to give Zakat al-Fitr a day or two in advance of Eid, following the practice of some companions.

For more details on Zakat al-Fitr, refer to the article: ((Study on Zakat al-Fitr)).

Gift of Money on Eid

Gift-giving in the form of money on Eid, often referred to as “Eidi,” is permissible. It is considered a commendable custom and part of good character. However, Muslims should ensure fairness among their children, avoiding favoritism that could lead to jealousy. The distribution of Eidi need not be equal among children, as parents should consider their ages, giving more to older children, for instance, or more to married children compared to unmarried ones. Parents may also guide their children on how to spend it wisely, especially the younger ones.

Common Violations on Eid Day

Numerous violations may occur on Eid and its eve, including:

The mingling of men and women during the festivities: Islam prohibits unregulated interactions between men and women due to the potential for instigating temptation. Therefore, both men and women should avoid such interactions unjustifiably, even on Eid.
Gathering for activities that are prohibited in the name of celebration: While expressing joy and happiness is encouraged in permissible ways, exhibiting joy through actions that displease Allah (exalted be He) is strictly prohibited.
Observing the night vigil on Eid: While night prayers are among the best acts of worship, singling out the night before Eid for special observance is not a practice attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), nor is there any authentic Hadith extolling its significance. However, if a Muslim typically prays at night and it happens to coincide with Eid, this is perfectly acceptable.

For more information about the significance of the night of Eid al-Fitr, refer to the article: ((Virtue of Observing the Night of Eid)).

The Significance of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is recognized as the first day of the month of Shawwal. There are numerous sources of evidence supporting the legitimacy of this Eid, including a narration from the companion Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “I arrived in Medina and found the people of Medina celebrating two days of festivities in the pre-Islamic era, and Allah has replaced them with something better: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.” This Eid is a gift from Allah to the fasting believers following their observance of Ramadan, enabling them to indulge in lawful delights, welcome the day with praises and beautiful attire, and perform the Eid prayer as a show of gratitude to Allah (exalted be He) for granting them success in fulfilling the obligations of Ramadan. Muslims greet one another with sincere wishes on this day, such as “May Allah return it to us and you with goodness and blessings,” and it has been reported from some companions that they said: “May Allah accept from us and you” upon meeting each other on Eid.

For more information about Eid al-Fitr, please refer to the article: ((Number of Days of Eid al-Fitr in Islamic Law)).