Recommended Acts On Eid Days

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Recommended Acts On Eid Days

by Dr. Muhammad al-Jibâly

Ghusl

It is recommended to take a bath on the morning of `Eed. Naafi` reported that:

"`Abdullaah Bin `Umar (ra) used to take ghusl (bath) on the day of Fitr before proceeding to the musallaa (prayer place)." [1]

Sa`eed Bin al-Musayyib (r) said:

"There are three sunnahs[2] for Fitr: walking to the musallaa, eating before you go, and performing ghusl."[3]

Imaam Ibn Qudaamah said:

"It is recommended to perform ghusl for `Eed. Ibn `Umar would perform ghusl on the day of Fitr; and `Alee is reported to have done so as well4. This is also the opinion of `Alqamah, `Urwah, `Ataa', an-Nakh`ee, ash-Shi`bee, Qataadah, Abu az-Zinad, Maalik, ash-Shaafi`ee, and Ibn ul-Munthir."[5]

The reports regarding Allaah's Messenger saws performing ghusl for the `Eed or commanding people to perform it are all weak.^[6]

Beautifying Oneself

It is also recommended to dress and adorn oneself for the occasion of the `Eed. Ibn `Umar (ra) narrated:

"`Umar (ra) saw a silk cloak in the market; he took it to Allaah's Messenger saws, and said, 'O Allaah's Messenger, buy this and adorn yourself with it during the `Eed and when the delegations visit you.' Allaah's Messenger saws replied, This dress is for those who have no good share (in the Hereafter). After a period of time, Allaah's Messenger saws sent a cloak of silk brocade to _Umar. _Umar came to Allaah's Messenger saws with the cloak and said, 'Allaah's Messenger! You said that this dress was for those who had no good share (in the Hereafter), yet you sent it me!' Allaah's Messenger saws said, (I sent it to you) so that you may sell it or use it to fulfill your need.[7] " [8]

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (r) said:

"The evidence derived from this hadeeth is that the Prophet saws has approved of _Umar's suggestion to beautify oneself for `Eeds, and only objected to wearing that kind of garment, because it was made of silk."[9]

The great scholar, as-Sindee, deduced:

"This hadeeth proves that dressing up for the `Eed days was an acceptable custom among the companions, and that the Prophet saws did not object to it, from which it is concluded that it was approved."[10]

And Ibn Qudaamah noted:

"This indicates that beautifying oneself on these occasions was common among them. Maalik said, 'I heard the people of knowledge express the desirability of perfume and beautification for every `Eed.'"[11]

Furthermore, Ibn ul-Qayyim said:

"The Prophet saws would wear his best clothes to go to the `Eed prayer. He had a cloak that he wore specifically on the two `Eeds and Friday. Sometimes he wore green cloaks, other times he wore a lined red cloak[12 ]not solid red as some people think, but it had red lines like the Yemenite lined cloaks."[13]

And Ibn Hajar said:

"Ibn Abu ad-Dunyaa and al-Bayhaqee reported, with an authentic chain of narrators, that Ibn `Umar (ra) would wear his best clothes on the two `Eeds."[14]

Of the beautification for the `Eed (for men) is wearing kuhl, perfumes, and oils, and wearing a `amaamah (turban) or a koofiyyah (simple cap). As is noted by ash-Shaykh al-Albaanee in Tamaam ul-Minnah, the Muslim men should not have their head uncovered, as is customary of the Europeans.^[15]

Eating on the Morning of Eed

Anas Bin Maalik (ra) narrated:

"Allaah's Messenger saws would not leave (his house) on the day of Fir until he ate some dates."[16]

Imaam al-Muhallab said:

"The wisdom in eating before the prayer is to circumvent the assumption that one must continue to fast until the `Eed prayer is over."[17]

And Buraydah Bin al-Haseeb (ra) narrated:

"The Prophet saws would not leave (his house) on the day of Fir until he ate. On the day of Nahr (slaughtering) he would not eat until he returned - so that he would eat from his sacrifice."[18]

The great scholar ash-Shawkaanee said:

"The wisdom in delaying eating on the day of Adhaa (sacrifice) is that it is a day on which it is legislated to offer sacrifices and to eat from them. Thus, it is recommended for one to eat from his sacrifice on breakfast. This was mentioned by Ibn Qudaamah.[19]”[20]

Az-Zayn Bin al-Munayyir said:

"The time that the Prophet saws ate his breakfast on each of the two `Eeds occurred at the proper time of giving out their related sadaqah (charity), thus dispensing of the Fitr charity before going to the musallaa, and dispensing of the sacrifice's charity after slaughtering it."[21]

It must be noted here that, nowadays, people no longer slaughter their sacrifices at the musallaa. They do that at distant places, and sometimes do not get the meat until the evening or the following days. In this case, it is understandable that the sunnah of eating breakfast from the sacrifice's meat cannot be reasonably fulfilled.

The Musallaa

Praying At The Musallaa

The sunnah is to hold the `Eed prayer in the open. This outdoor place of prayer is known as the musallaa. Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree (ra) said:

"The Prophet saws used to go on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha to the musallaa; and the first thing he did when he reached there was perform the prayer."[22]

The `allaamah (great scholar) Ibn al-Haajj al-Maaliki said:

"The established sunnah for the prayer of the two `Eeds is to be held in the musallaa; for, even though the Prophet saws said: One prayer in this masjid (mosque) of mine is better than a thousand prayers in any other masjid - except for al-Masjid ul-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque of Makkah).[23] Yet, and despite this great merit, he saws left it and went out (to the musallaa) (on the days of `Eed)."[24]

Ibn Qud_mah said:

"The sunnah is to hold the `Eed prayer in the musallaa. `Alee (ra) commanded with that; and al-Awzaa`ee recommended it - as did the people of reason[25] it is also the opinion of Ibn ul-Munthir."[26]

As for the one who is incapable to go out to pray in the musallaa, because of a weakness or old age, then he may pray in the masjid, and there is no blame on him - in shaa'a 'Llaah.^[27] It should be noted here that the goal of holding the `Eed prayer in the musallaa is to gather the largest possible number of Muslims in one place.


However, we see in many counties today the establishment of many musallaas, even without a need for them. The scholars have warned people against such a thing^[28] And these numerous musallaas have been turned into podiums set up to declare loyalty to different parties and divide the word of Muslims. Indeed, there is no might or power except from Allaah (SWT).

Taking Different Routes

Jaabir Bin `Abdillaah (ra) reported:

"The Prophet saws would take different routes on the day of the Eed."[29]

Ibn ul-Qayyim (r) said:

"He saws would take different routes on the day of the `Eed, going one way and returning another one. It has been said that the wisdom behind this is:

• to greet the people of both routes,
• so that the people of both routes will receive blessings from him (through his supplication, salaam, etc),
• to fulfil the needs of the needy on both routes,
• to display (by the Takbeer, etc.) the Islaamic rites,
• (and the best opinion of all:) for all of these reasons, in addition to other aspects of wisdom that are always associated with his saws actions."^[30]

After mentioning the above opinions, Imaam an-Nawawee (r) said:

"Even if the reason were not known, it would still be absolutely recommended to follow his saws example; and Allaah (SWT) knows best." [31]

Going Early

Imaam al-Baghawee (r) said:

"It is recommended for the people, as soon as they complete the Suhb (morning) prayer, to head toward the musallaa and sit in their places there, saying the Takbeers. As for the Imaam, he should arrive just at the time of the prayer."[32]

Walking

It should be noted as well that it is recommended, for those who are capable of doing it, to walk to the musallaa. `Alee (t) said:

"It is of the Sunnah that you go to the `Eed walking."[33]

Takbeer During the Two `Eeds

Takbeer (saying 'Allaahu Akbar' - Allaah is the Greatest) is a clearly distinctive feature of Muslims' `Eed celebrations.

Evidence For Takbeer On `Eed Days

Allaah (SWT) says:

... And that you must exclaim Allaah's greatness, for having guided you, so that you may be grateful.[34]

Time Of Takbeer

The Takbeer for `Eed starts from the time that one leaves his house heading toward the musallaa. It is confirmed that the Prophet saws:

"... Would leave (his house), on the day of Fitr, saying Takbeer until he reached the musallaa, and until he performed the prayer. Once he had performed the prayer, he would stop saying the Takbeer."[35]

The great hadeeth scholar al-Albaanee said:

"This hadeeth provides evidence for the Muslims' common practice of saying the Takbeer aloud on route to the musallaa, even though many people are now neglecting this sunnah - so that it is almost totally forgotten! It would be useful at this point to remind that saying the Takbeer in unison, as many people do, is not permissible. This applies as well to any other form of thikr (mentioning Allaah (SWT)), whether it is supposed to be said loudly or secretly. Let this be a warning for us, and let us keep in our minds that the best guidance is that of Muhammad saws."[36]

Ibn Taymiyyah (r) was asked about the time for Takbeer on the two `Eeds. He replied:

"Praise be to Allaah. The most correct opinion, which agrees with the majority of the Salaf and scholars among the sahaabah and Imaams, is that Takbeer extends from fajr (dawn) on the day of `Arafah to the last day of Tashreeq; it is done following each prayer; and it is recommended for everyone to raise his voice with the Takbeer when heading to the Eed. This is agreed upon among the Four Imaams."[37]

It should be noted that his specification "following each prayer" has no evidence. The correct opinion is to say it at all times, without specification. This is supported by what Imaam al-Bukhaaree said:

"... And `Umar (ra) used to say the Takbeer in his tent at Minaa, so the people in the masjid heard him, and they also said the Takbeer; and then the people of the market places also said the Takbeer, until Minaa echoed with everyone's Takbeer. And Ibn `Umar (ra) used to say the Takbeer at Minaa on these day: after the prayers, on his bed, in his tent, in his sittings, and while walking - throughout these days. And Maymooonah (ra) used to say the Takbeer on the day of Nahr; also, the women would say the Takbeer behind Abbaan Bin `Uthmaan and `Umar Bin `Abd ul-`Azeez on the night of Tashreeq[38]with the men in the masjid."[39]

Also, it is reported that:

"When Ibn `Umar, went out (of his house) on the morning of the day of Fitr and the day of Adha, he would say the Takbeer aloud until he reached the musallaa, then he would say it until the imaam arrived (for the prayer)."[40]

The Wording Of The Takbeer

There are no authentic hadeeths describing how the Prophet saws said this Takbeer; however, the following have been reported from his companions (ra):

a) Ibn Mas`ood (ra):

"Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha illa 'llaah; Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd."^[41]

b) Ibn `Abbaas (ra):

"Allaahu akbar Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa li 'llaah il-hamd, Allaahu akbaru wa ajall, Allaahu akbaru `alaa maa hadaana."^[42]

c) Salmaan (t):

"Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbaru kabeera."^[43]

Wisdom In Takbeer

Takbeer is a statement that the Muslims are instructed to proclaim frequently, especially in certain situations that may insinuate feelings of arrogance in the heart.

When a person slaughters an animal, he may feel arrogant because he has the power to kill. But when he says, "Bismillaah, Allaahu Akbar - in the Name of Allaah; Allaah is the Greatest", he remembers his true position, and that, no matter how great and mighty he thinks himself, Allaah (SWT) is greater and mightier, and He is the one who provided him with the animal and gave him the ability to slaughter it.

Throwing the stones in Minaa is an action of power and aggression. But when the pilgrim says, "Allaahu Akbar", he remembers Allaah's power and might.

In their travels, the Prophet saws and his companions (ra) used to say "Allaahu Akbar" when they ascended a hill. Rising to a high place is another act that may cause arrogance in the heart. By applying this sunnah, one controls himself and remembers that Allaah is greater and higher.

Likewise, celebrations are occasions of rejoice and happiness. People tend then to be arrogant. But when they remember Allaah's greatness so very frequently, they retain their position of submission and servitude before Him (SWT).

Furthermore, saying the Takbeer loudly and frequently makes people remember that the `Eed is a gift granted by Allaah (SWT), that He is greater than worries and fears which could mar the `Eed spirit, that He is the One who guided them, and who is capable of protecting them, removing their worries, and accepting their acts of worship that preceded the `Eeds.

Beating the Duff^[45]

Singing accompanied by the beating of duff is an approved type of lahw (vanity) for women during the Eed. `Aa'ishah (ra) said:

"Allaah's Messenger saws entered (my house) when I had two little girls singing the songs of Bu`aath[46] and beating on a duff; so he lay down on the bed and turned his face away. Then Abu Bakr came in and scolded me saying, 'The flutes of Shaytaan (the Devil) played in the presence of Allaah's Messenger?' So Allaah's Messenger saws turned toward him and said, Leave them alone, O Abu Bakr! Every people have a `Eed, and this is our `Eed."[47]

Al-Baghawee commented on this hadeeth by saying:

"Bu`aath is a famous battle of the Arabs, in which there was a great victory for the Aws over the Khazraj. The war between the two tribes went on for one hundred and twenty years - until Islaam came. The two girls were singing poetry that described fighting and courage, the mention of which is supportive to the Deen. But as for songs that involve mentioning sins, announcing prohibited matters, and displaying evil deeds - it is all prohibited. And it is impossible that anything like that would ever take place in the Prophet's saws presence without him objecting adamantly to it. And as for his saying this is our `Eed, it provides the reason for displaying joy in the two `Eeds as being a symbol of the Deen, because they are different from other days."[48]

`Eed Greetings

It is permissible for Muslims to greet each other on the day of `Eed with specific greetings that have been reported from the Sahabah (ra). Responding to a question in this regard, Ibn Taymiyyah (r) said:

"As for people greeting each other after the `Eed prayer by, 'Taqabbala 'llaahu minnaa wa minkum (may Allaah accept from us and you),' or, 'May Allaah bring the `Eed back to you next year,' etc. - it has been reported that some of the Sahabah practiced it, and the scholars permitted it. However, Ahmad said, 'I do not initiate saying it to anyone; but if one says it to me, I answer him. This is because responding to a greeting is obligatory, but to initiate the greeting is not a required sunnah, neither is it prohibited; whoever does it would have an example (from the Salaf), and whoever does not would have a predecessor as well.'"[59]

Jubayr Bin Nufayr said:

"When the companions of Allaah's Messenger saws met on the day of Eed, they would say to each other, 'Taqabbala 'llaahu minnaa wa mink (may Allaah accept from us and you.)' "[60]

And Muhammad Bin Ziyaad said:

"I was with Abu Umaamah al-Baahilee (ra) and some other companions of the Prophet saws. When they returned from the Eed, they said to each other, ' Taqabbala 'llaahu minnaa wa mink.' "[61]

This is the extent of the greetings that are reported to have been said on the Eed. It is not befitting for those who wish to follow the Sunnah that they adopt customs that add to this Islaamic practice during the Eed, such as what some common people say to each other, "Kullu `aamin wa-antum bi-khayr (May you be well every year)." All of this is rejected, and to it applies Allaah's blame:

Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower?[62]

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Footnotes

1.Recorded by Maalik, ash-Shaafi`ee, and `Abdurrazzaaq as-San`aanee in the Musannaf; it has an authentic chain.
2. He might mean that is was the sunnah (way) of the sahaabah (ra).
3. Al-Faryabaadee with an authentic chain; see Irwaa' ul-Ghaleel.
4. A man asked `Alee (ra) about ghusl; so he said, "You can perform ghusl every day if you wish." He said, "I do not mean that; I mean the days on which one should make ghusl." He (ra) said:
"The day of Jumu_ah, the day of _Arafah, the day of Nahr (Sacrifice), and the day of Fitr." Recorded by al-Bayhaqee with an authentic chain of narrators.
See Irwaa` ul-Ghaleel.
5. Al-Mughnee 2:370..
6. Recorded in Sunan Ibn Maajah, No. 1315, "Allaah's Messenger saws performed ghusl on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha." Its chain contains Jubaarah Bin al-Mughallis and his shaykh, both of which are weak. There is also another weak report with additional wording in No. 1316, whose chain contains Yoosuf Bin Khdaalid as-Samtee, who has been known to lie. See Irwaa' ul-Ghaleel.
7. Thus, `Umar (ra) had the choice to either give this silk to a female member of his household, or to sell it to someone who would use it in a similarly permissible manner.
8. Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, Abu Daawood, an-Nasaa`ee and Ahmad.
9. Fat ul-Baaree 2:234.
10. As-Sindee's commentary on an-Nasaa`ee 3:181.
11. Al-Mughnee 2:228.
12. See as-Saheehah no. 1279 by al-Albaanee.
13. Zaad ul-Ma`aadd 1:441.
14. Fat ul-Baaree 2:439.
15. Qurrat ul-`Aynayni fee Ahkaam il-`Eedayni by `Aqeel al-Maqtaree.
16. Al-Bukhaaree and others.
17. Fat ul-Baaree 2:447.
18. At-Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah and others; Hasan (good).
19. Al-Mughnee 2:371.
20. Nayl ul-Awtaar 3:357.
21. Fath ul-Baaree 2:448.
22. Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, an-Nasaa`ee.
23. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.
24. Al-Mudkhal 2:283.
25. The Hanafees
26. Al-Mughnee 2:229/230.
27. This issue is discussed in depth by Shaykh Amad Shaakir in his commentary on Sunan at-Tirmithee. Also, the `allaamah al-Albaanee has a very important research on the subject published in a separate booklet titled "Praying the Two `Eed Prayers in the Musallaa Outdoors Is the Sunnah".
28. See Nihaayat ul-Muhtaaj (2:375) by ar-Ramlee.
29. Saheeh; Al-Bukhaaree in mu`aliq form, others complete.
30. Zaad ul-Ma`aad.
31. Rawat ut-Taalibeen 2:77.
32. Sharh us-Sunnah 4:302-303.
33. Recorded by at-Tirmithee and Ibn Maajah; judged Hasan by al-Albaanee.
34. Al-Baqarah 2:185.
35. Recorded by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Muannaf, and al-Mahaamilee in Salaat-ul-`Eedayn, with authentic mursal chain (the companion missing from it); however, there are other reports to strengthen it. See as-Saheeah no. 170 by al-Albaanee.
36. As-Saheehah 1:121 by al-Albaanee. Also, Shaykh Humood at-Tuwayjiree (r) has written a book disproving saying the takbeer in unison.
37. Al-Fataawee 24:220.
38. The three days after `Eed ul-Adha.
39. Saheeh ul-Bukhaaree; the chapter on al-`Eedayn.
40. Recorded by ad-Daaraqutanee, Ibn Abu Shaybah, and others, with an authentic chain of narrators. See Irwaa` ul-Ghaleel No. 650 by al-Albaanee.
41. Ibn Abee Shaybah (2:168) with an authentic chain (al-Halabee). This means: "Allaah is the greatest; Allaah is the greatest; there is no god except Allaah. Allaah is the greatest; Allaah is the greatest; and to Allaah belongs all of the praise."
42. Al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan ul-Kubraa (3:315) with an authentic chain of narrators (al-Halabee). This means: "Allaah is the greatest; Allaah is the greatest; Allaah is the greatest; and to Allaah belongs all of the praise. Allaah is the greatest and most majestic; Allaah is the greatest for guiding us."
43. Al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan ul-Kubraa (3:316) with an authentic chain of narrators (al-Halabee). This means: "Allaah is the greatest; Allaah is the greatest; Allaah is the greatest - great indeed."
44. Fath ul-Baaree 2:536. Today, it is common to hear announcements such as, "Takbeer starts at 7:00 and the prayer starts at 7:30". Also, people join together in takbeers that are usually full of innovated additions.
45. A musical instrument similar to a tambourine, though it has no bells or cymbals.
46. Pre-Islaamic war lore.
47. Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, Amad, and Ibn Maajah.
48. Sharh us-Sunnah 4:322.
49. Recorded by Abu Daawood from the way of `Abdullaah Bin `Amr (ra); authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa' ul-Ghaleel. It was also narrated, with more details, by Buraydah (ra) and recorded by at-Tirmithee.
50. Saying subhaanallaah (may Allaah (SWT) be exalted).
51. Majmoo` ul-Fataawee 11:565.
52. A hateful act.
53. Al-Mughnee 9:174.
54. Kaff ur-Ru`aa` 35.
55. Fat ul-Baaree 9:226.
56. Tuhfat ul-Awathee 4:210.
57. Commentary on Ibn ul-Qayyim's book, "Al-Kalaamu fee Mas'alat is-Samaa`".
58. Al-Bukhaaree, Abu Daawood, al-Bayhaqee and others.
59. Al-Fataawee 24:253.
60. Al-Mahaamiliyyaat with a hasan chain according to Ibn Hajar; see Fath ul-Baaree 2:446.
61. Ibn Qudaamah in al-Mughnee 2:259; Ahmad said that this has a good chain.
62. Al-Baqarah 2:61.

Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:
"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]