By: Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali
Source: http://seekersguidance.org
What is Recommended On the Day of Eid al Fitr?
* To wake up early, preferably before Fajr or at the entering of Fajr
* To pray the Fajr group prayer in the masjid
* To eat something sweet after the Fajr prayer before going to the Eid prayer area
* To eat dates if one can find them, and to eat them in amounts of odd numbers
* To perform the purificatory bath (ghusl) before the Eid prayer, even for a person who is not attending the prayer
* To clean one’s teeth with a siwak or similar object as much as possible
* To wear scented perfume (women do not wear strong scented perfume outside of their homes)
* To wear the best of one’s clothes, which consist of the most beautiful, cleanest or newest garments, even if they are not white
* To make one’s happiness and joy apparent, thanking Allah for one’s blessings
* To smile and display one’s happiness when meeting others
* To give much in non-obligatory charity, more than one’s usual habit
* To direct oneself to the Eid prayer area, while saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ quietly to oneself and to stop saying it when the Imam begins the Eid prayer
* To go to the Eid prayer area by foot
* To pay the sadaqat al-fitr (zakat al-fitr) if it is necessary for one to do so
* To arrive early at the Eid prayer area so one can pray in the first line
* To return from a different direction after performing the Eid prayer
[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah; al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
Who Must Attend the Congregational Eid Prayer?
The congregational Eid prayer is necessary (wajib) upon the same individuals who are obliged to attend the Friday congregational prayer. These individuals are:
* Sane, adult men, which excludes women and children
* Residents, which excludes travelers
* Those in good health, which excludes genuinely sick people
It should be noted that if women, children, travelers or sick individuals attend the Eid prayer, they are rewarded for their attendance. The aforementioned point is merely illustrating that it is not incumbent upon them to attend, which means that they are not sinful if they miss the prayer.
[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah]
When Is the Eid al-Fitr Prayer Performed?
The Eid al-Fitr prayer may be performed any time after the sun completely rises up to just before the entering of the Dhuhr prayer time on Eid day (1st of Shawwal).
* It cannot be delayed beyond this day without a shariah compliant excuse.
* If an excuse is present, the prayer can only be offered the day after (2nd Shawwal) during the aforementioned time. Thereafter, it cannot be performed.
* If an excuse is not present, the prayer is not valid if it is delayed to the next day.
[al-Maydani, al-Lubab; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah]
When is the Eid al-Adha Prayer Performed?
The Eid al-Adha prayer may be performed any time after the sun completely rises up to just before the entering of the Dhuhr prayer time on Eid day (10th of Dhul Hijjah).
* It can be delayed beyond this day with or without a shariah compliant excuse, though the later is disliked.
* If an excuse is present, then it is permissible to pray it during the aforementioned time the following day (11th of Dhul Hijjah) or the day after that day (12th of Dhul Hijjah) without dislikedness. Thereafter, it cannot be performed.
* If an excuse is not present, it is still valid to delay the prayer up to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah but with dislikedness. Thereafter, it cannot be performed.
[al-Maydani, al-Lubab; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah]
Can the Eid Prayer Be Delayed for a Short Period of Time?
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Hasten (the prayer of) al-Adha and delay (the prayer) of al-Fitr,” [al-Bayhaqi] Thus, it is recommended for the Imam to delay commencing the Eid al-Fitr prayer for a short period and to hasten to pray the Eid al-Adha prayer. [Tahtawi, Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi]
What If One Prays the Eid Prayer in a Prohibitively Disliked Time?
If either Eid prayer is performed before the sun completely rises, then the prayer does not count as the Eid prayer. Rather, it counts as a nafl prayer and one is sinful for praying within a prohibitively disliked time. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah; al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
If while praying either Eid prayer the sun reaches its zenith, then the prayer does not count as the Eid prayer. Rather, it counts as a nafl prayer and one is sinful for praying within a prohibitively disliked time. [Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya; al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
Is A Sermon (Khutba) Given for the Eid Prayer?
It is sunna for the Imam to give two short sermons after the performance of the Eid prayer. It is permissible to give the sermon before the Eid prayer, but it is offensive because one left the sunna. If the Imam does not give a sermon at all, the Eid prayer is still valid but it is offensive because one left the sunna. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah; Tahtawi, Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi]
During the sermon for Eid al-Fitr, the Imam reminds the community of the rulings related to Sadaqat al-Fitr (Zakat al-Fitr). For Eid al-Adha, the Imam teaches the community the rulings related to sacrificing an animal and the invocation said on the days of tashriq (takbir al-tashriq). [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya]
Some scholars note that the Imam should teach the rulings related to the takbir al-tashriq during the Friday congregational prayer the week before Eid al-Adha because it becomes necessary (wajib) to say the takbir al-tashriq before the Eid al-Adha prayer is performed (i.e. it begins after the Fajr prayer on the day of Arafa). [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah] The details related to the takbir al-tashriq are forthcoming.
It is necessary (wajib) for followers to listen to the Eid sermon, and everything disliked during the Friday sermon is disliked during the Eid sermon. [al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
How Does One Perform the Eid Prayer as the Imam?
Both Eid prayers are only 2 prayer cycles (rakats). It is necessary (wajib) for both the imam and follower to give the additional takbirs for Eid during the prayer. [Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya]
To perform the prayer as the Imam:
1. One makes the intention in his heart to be the leader of the Eid prayer. It is recommended to say the intention with one’s tongue.
2. One says the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar) in order to commence the prayer.
3. One says the opening supplication quietly to oneself.
4. One gives three additional takbirs (Allahu Akbar) for Eid.
For each additional takbir, one raises his hands like the opening takbir, says the takbir out loud, returns his hands to his sides, and pauses for a brief moment before proceeding with the other takbirs.
After the third and final takbir, one places one’s hands together, right on top of left under the navel.
5. One seeks refuge from Satan and recites ‘Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahimi’ quietly.
6. One recites the Fatiha and an additional sura out loud. It is recommended to recite Surat al-‘Ala (Chapter 87) in full.
7. One says the sunna ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into the bowing position and completes the prayer cycle (raka’) like usual. One does not raise his hands when saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ as he moves into the bowing or prostrating position.
8. In the second prayer cycle (raka’), one recites ‘Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahimi’ quietly upon standing up from prostration.
9. One recites the Fatiha and an additional sura. It is recommended to recite Surat al-Ghashiyya (Chapter 88).
10. One gives three additional takbirs (Allahu Akbar) for Eid.
For each additional takbir, one raises his hands like the opening takbir, says the takbir out loud, returns his hands to his sides, and pauses for a brief moment before proceeding with the other takbirs.
After the third and final takbir, one places his arms next to his sides.
It is permissible to give the additional takbirs before reciting the Quran in the second prayer cycle. The difference of opinion regarding this matter relates to optimality, not validity.
11. One says the sunna ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into the bowing position and completes the prayer cycle (raka’) like usual. One does not raise his hands when saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ as he moves into the bowing or prostrating position.
12. One sits for the tashahud, gives blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), and says the two final salams.
[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah; Tahtawi, Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi; al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
How Does One Perform the Eid Prayer as a Follower?
Both Eid prayers are only 2 prayer cycles (rakats). It is necessary (wajib) for both the imam and follower to give the additional takbirs for Eid during the prayer. [Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya]
To perform the prayer as a follower:
1. One makes the intention in one’s heart to perform the Eid prayer as a follower of the Imam. It is recommended to say the intention with one’s tongue.
2. One gives the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar) with the Imam.
3. One says the opening supplication quietly to oneself.
4. One gives three additional takbirs (Allahu Akbar) with the Imam.
For each additional takbir, one raises the hands like the opening takbir, says the takbir out loud with the Imam, returns the hands to one’s sides, and pauses for a brief moment before proceeding with the other takbirs with the Imam.
For a man, after the third and final takbir, he places his hands together, right on left under the navel. For a woman, she places her hands upon her chest.
5. One listens to the Imam recite the Fatiha and an additional sura.
6. One says the sunna ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into the bowing position with the Imam and completes the prayer cycle (raka’) like usual. One does not raise the hands when saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ as one moves into the bowing or prostrating position.
7. In the second prayer cycle (raka’), one listens to the Imam recite the Fatiha and an additional sura upon standing up from prostration.
8. One gives three additional takbirs (Allahu Akbar) with the Imam.
For each additional takbir, one raises the hands like the opening takbir, says the takbir out loud with the Imam, returns the hands to one’s sides, and pauses for a brief moment before proceeding with the other takbirs with the Imam.
After the third and final takbir, one places one’s arms next to one’s sides.
9. One says ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into the bowing position with the Imam and completes the prayer cycle (raka’) like usual. One does not raise the hands when saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ as one moves into the bowing or prostrating position.
10. One sits for the tashahud, gives blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), and says the two final salams with the Imam.
[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah; Quduri, al-Kitab; Tahtawi, Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi; al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
What If the Imam Pronounces More Than Three Takbirs?
One simply follows the imam with regards to the number of takbirs. One can follow him up to 16 takbirs. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah] The sunnah practice has been reported in different ways, and the difference between the schools of thought on this is in terms of optimality, not validity. [Tahtawi; Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi]
What If the Imam Forgets to Pronounce the Additional Takbirs for Eid?
If the Imam bows before saying any of the additional takbirs for Eid, then he says them while in the bowing position. He does not return to the standing position to say them, but if he does stand up, the prayer is still valid. [Tahtawi; Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi]
What If One Joins the Eid Prayer As a Latecomer?
Whoever joins the Eid prayer as a latecomer must still say the additional takbirs for Eid in what was missed with the Imam. There are a few possible scenarios.
Scenario A: If one joins a prayer cycle (raka’) after the Imam has said the additional takbirs for Eid but the Imam is still standing for recitation, then one:
1. pronounces the opening takbir standing, and
2. says the additional takbirs for Eid, even if the Imam is reciting the Quran.
Scenario B: If one joins the first prayer cycle (raka’) while the Imam is bowing (ruku’) and one does not fear missing bowing with the Imam, then one:
1. pronounces the opening takbir standing,
2. remains standing and says the additional takbirs for Eid, then
3. joins the Imam in the bowing position.
Scenario C: If one joins the first prayer cycle (raka’) while the Imam is bowing (ruku’) but fears missing bowing with the Imam, then one:
1. pronounces the opening takbir standing,
2. bows with the Imam, and
3. says the additional takbirs for Eid while in the bowing position before giving the tasbihs of ruku` and without raising the hands.
If the Imam begins to stand up while one is still saying the additional takbirs for Eid, then what remains of the additional takbirs are dropped, even if it is all of them. One does not make them up in the second prayer cycle (raka’).
Scenario D: If one joins the first prayer cycle (raka’) after the Imam has bowed or joins in the second prayer cycle, then after the Imam gives the final salams one makes up the first prayer cycle (raka’) missed. As such, one:
1. stands up,
2. recites the Fatiha and a short sura, then
3. says the additional takbirs for Eid.
The reason one recites the Quran before saying the additional takbirs in this situation is due to the fact that none of the Companions (Allah be pleased with them all) have related otherwise.
[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya; Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah; Tahtawi, Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi; al-Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]
Can One Perform Tayammum (Dry Ablution) for the Eid Prayer?
Yes, if one fears that by busying oneself with ablution (wudu) one will miss the congregational Eid prayer, one can resort to tayammum. This ruling applies even if one is performing the Eid prayer in a city and is not ill. [al-Maydani, al-Lubab]
This is an exception to the general rule as one is normally obliged to perform ablution (wudu) when sufficient water is present. The reason for the permissibility of tayammum in this circumstance is because the Eid prayer does not have a replacement prayer if missed. This ruling does not apply to the Friday congregational prayer or other prayers. [ibid]
What If One Misses the Eid Prayer? Can One Perform the Eid Prayer Alone?
No, the Eid prayer is only performed in a formal congregation. [Ala al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-Alaiyya]
If one misses the Eid prayer, one does not make it up. Likewise, if one joins the Eid prayer but for some reason one’s prayer becomes invalid, then one cannot makeup the Eid prayer by oneself nor will a makeup be necessary. [ibid]
For those who missed the Eid prayer, it is recommended to pray the supererogatory Duha prayer with four rakas. This was related by the Companion ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him). [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]
If it was incumbent upon one to attend, then one must repent for missing a necessary (wajib) prayer.
