The ‘what’ & ‘why’ of Eid Prayers
A brief summary of Eid Prayers and Takbeer (glorifying Allah)
It was narrated in the two Saheehs that Ummu Attiaht (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah ordered us to come out in the day of breaking fast, Eidul-fitr, and in the day of Sacrifices, Eidul-Addhha, including: the disabled the menstruated, and the housebound. As for the menstruated let them not pray”. And in other text “(not in) the prayer hall, but let them participate in the goodness and the Muslims festival”. So I said “O Messenger of Allah, one of us may not have a Jilbaab he said: “Let her sister give one of her Jilbaab to wear”.
Hence everyone should go out to celebrate the Eid in the prayer gathering except that the menstruated who do not sit in the prayer hall, or the prayer area.
It is recommended that one should wear his best clothes, and wear something new. As always women should not wear clothes that draw attention, nor put on perfume. And men should not wear gold or silk but should put on nice perfume oil or essence.
We should say Takbeer:
Allahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar,
Laa ilaaha illa Allah,
Wa Allahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahi-hamd
This Takbeer should be said repeatedly from sunset on the eve of the Eid till the Eid prayers. It should be said loudly by men but women should say them quietly.
It is essential that one should break his fast and eat after Fajr time, and before he or she goes to the prayers. One should eat an odd number of dates for it was narrated by Anas, son of Malik that “The prophet did not go out to the day of Eid until he eats dates and he used to eat them wittr” i.e. odd number of dates. This hadith is collected by Albukhari in the book of Firday`s, section of eating in the day of Fitr befor going out (953)
I pray to Allah to forgive my errors and shortfalls for He is The Most Forgiving and The Most Merciful.
Author: Abdullatif Osman
This Eid brought back memories from my chilhood. It was a great day which was enjoyed by all those who attended. From now on, no more Eid’s in the mosque, only in the Park, InshaAllah. You can count on my support. Well done to everyone who worked very hard for this event to be successful.