Id al-Fitr

THE NIGHT OF `ID

Rasulullah P.B.U.H. said: "The heart of a person who remains awake (in `Ibadah) during the night of `Id al-Fitr and `Id al-"Adha (these are the nights that come before `Id) will not die on the Day when hearts will be dead (i.e. The Day of Qiyamah)."

Ibn Majah, al-Bayhaqi, at-Tabarani

In the above Hadith, if one focuses on Allah on these two nights, then ones heart will not be overawed with terror and fear on the Day of Qiyamah when the upheavals of the day will be so fearsome that men will appear to be intoxicated.

Both the nights of `Id, i.e. the nights preceding the Days of `Id, are auspicious occasions which should be observed with reverence and worship. Rasulullah P.B.U.H. said that these nights are great occasions of `Ibadah and of gaining the proximity and special Mercy of Allah I. These blessed nights, should therefore not be allowed to pass by in idleness. Full advantage should be taken of these opportunities by engaging in `Ibadah to the best of our abilities. Istighfar (seeking forgiveness for sins), Tilawah (reciting the Quran), Nafl Salah, Salawat, etc. should be offered abundantly on these blessed nights.

THE ETIQUETTES OF `ID AL-FITR

The day of `Id is not merely a festive occasion. A Muslim acquires great rewards from it and draws close to Allah if he spends the day of `Id according to the teachings of Shari`ah. e.g. Pleasing relatives by visiting or inviting them is rewarding provided the laws of Hijab are met. One must remember that Islam is not against the concept of having a good time. But like any legal and moral system, any act which violates its codes is not acceptable.

THE SUNAN OF THE DAY OF `ID
1. To rise as early as possible (before Fajr is a must).
2. To make Ghusl and use the Miswak.
3. To wear ones best clothes whilst ensuring that it conforms with Shari`ah (Sunnah dress).
4. To apply `itr.
5. To eat anything (sweet) before departing for `Id Salah.
6. To give "Sadaqah al-Fitr" before leaving for the Musallah.

THE `ID SALAH

Jabir ibn `Abdullah narrates that:
"Verily, on the day of `Id al-Fitr Adhan is not given, nor is it given for `Id al-Adha."

al-Bukhari

Jabir ibn `Abdullah t also narrates that:
"Salah on the day of `Id starts with the Salah before the Khutbah, and is not preceded by Adhan or Iqamah."

Muslim

Some Sunan to be observed before the `Id Salah are:
1. To go to the MuSallah (`Id Gah / place set for `Id prayer) early.
2. To walk to the Musallah. There is no harm in using any means of conveyance if the Musallah is at a distance.
3. To recite the following Takbir while going to the Musallah:



Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; There is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praise is for Him.

4. To choose a different route when returning from the Musallah.