Rulings and Etiquettes of Eid al-Fitr

Compiled by: Ubaidullah Tahir (Hafizahullah)

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two designated Eids for Muslims.

The Two Eids in Islam

Narrated Aisha (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said regarding Eid:
"Indeed, every nation has its celebration, and this is our Eid."
[Bukhari 952, Muslim 892:19]

Narrated Anas (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
"Allah has replaced the two (pre-Islamic) festive days with two better ones: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr."
[Abu Dawood 1134, Nasai 1556, Sahih]

Saying Takbeer on Eid

Allah Almighty says:
“...And complete the prescribed period (of fasting) and glorify Allah for having guided you, so that you may be grateful.”
[Al-Baqarah: 185]

Narrated Nafi (RA):
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) used to recite the Takbeer loudly on the way to the Eid prayer ground until the Imam arrived.
[Sunan Al-Darqutni 1716, Sahih]

Recommended Takbeer Formulations

Narrated Abu Ishaq:
Ali (RA) and Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) used to recite:
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd."
[Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 5653, Sahih]

Taking Ghusl Before Eid

Narrated Nafi (RA):
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) would take a ritual bath (Ghusl) before leaving for the Eid prayer ground.
[Muwatta Imam Malik, Book of Eid Prayers]

Adorning Oneself on Eid

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
Umar (RA) suggested buying a fine cloak for Eid, but the Prophet (PBUH) remarked that such clothing is for those without a share in the Hereafter.
[Bukhari 948, Muslim 2068/8]

Eating Before Leaving for Eid Prayer

Narrated Anas (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) would eat dates before leaving for the Eid al-Fitr prayer, consuming them in odd numbers.
[Bukhari 953]

Going to the Eid Prayer Ground

Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) used to go to the prayer ground for the Eid prayers.
[Bukhari 956, Muslim 889]

Walking to the Eid Prayer Ground

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) would walk to and from the Eid prayer ground.
[Ibn Majah 1295, Hasan]

Changing the Route for Eid Prayer

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) would take a different route when returning from the Eid prayer ground.
[Bukhari 989]

Command to Attend Eid Prayers

Narrated Umm Atiyyah (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) instructed women, including those menstruating, to attend Eid gatherings, though menstruating women were to avoid the prayer itself.
[Muslim 890:12]

Number of Rakaat in Eid Prayer

Narrated Umar (RA):
Eid prayers consist of two Rakaat, as established by the Prophet (PBUH).
[Ibn Majah 1064, Sahih]

Extra Takbeerat in Eid Prayer

Narrated Aisha (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) would say seven Takbeerat in the first Rakaat and five in the second.
[Abu Dawood 1149, Ibn Majah 1280, Hasan]

Quranic Recitation in Eid Prayers

Narrated Abu Waqid al-Laythi (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) would recite Surah Qaf and Surah Qamar during Eid prayers.
[Muslim 891:15]

Eid Sermon After Prayer

Narrated Ibn Abbas (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) and his successors delivered the Eid sermon after the prayer.
[Bukhari 962, Muslim 884:1]

Exchanging Eid Greetings

Narrated Jubair ibn Nufair:
The Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) would greet one another on Eid saying:
"Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept from us and from you).
[Fath al-Bari 446/2, Hasan]

Eid Celebrations and Joy

Narrated Aisha (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) allowed permissible singing and joyful activities on Eid, stating that every nation has its day of celebration.
[Bukhari 949, Muslim 892:19]
 
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