Fiqh Rulings and Issues of Prayer: Volume 01: Page 227, in light of the Quran and Hadith
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Rulings regarding Eid prayers.
وعلیکم السلام ورحمة الله وبرکاته!
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
Eid prayers (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are established by the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and the consensus of the Ummah. The polytheists used to celebrate different festivals on different occasions and in different places, so Islam abolished those festivals and established Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The purpose of these two Eids is to thank Allah Almighty for the performance of great acts of worship such as fasting in Ramadan and Hajj to the House of Allah.
It is narrated in Sahih Hadith that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to Madinah, he saw that the people of Madinah had set aside two days in the year for amusement and play. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَبْدَلَكُمْ بِهِمَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُمَا يَوْمَ الْأَضْحَى وَيَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ"
"Allah Almighty has given you two better days in their place, which are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
There is no room in Islam for inventing any other Eid besides these two Eids, such as Eid Milad al-Nabi ﷺ etc. This is an addition to the religion of Allah and the introduction of innovation, it is against the Sunnah of Sayyid al-Mursalin ﷺ, and it is also a resemblance to the disbelievers. Calling any day an Eid or celebrating a day, week, or year in memory of any person/event—has nothing to do with Islam, but rather it is a work of ignorance and imitation of Western sects.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ "
"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
"فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابُ اللَّهِ وَخَيْرُ الْهُدَى هُدَى مُحَمَّدٍ(صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) وَشَرُّ الأُمُورِ مُحْدَثَاتُهَا وَكُلُّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلاَلَةٌ"
"The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad ﷺ, and the worst of things are newly invented matters, and every innovation is a misguidance."
We ask Allah Almighty to show us the truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it, and to show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the courage to avoid it.
The meaning of Eid is "to return." Eid is called Eid because it returns repeatedly every year, bringing joy and happiness, and in it, Allah Almighty bestows His grace and favor upon His servants (as a result of fasting or Hajj).
The saying of Allah Almighty is evidence for the legitimacy of Eid prayer:
﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانحَر ﴿٢﴾... سورة الكوثر
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
Also, Allah Almighty says:
﴿قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكَّى﴾، ﴿وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّى﴾
"He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself, And mentions the name of his Lord and prays."
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and after him the Rightly Guided Caliphs رضي الله عنھم أجمعين continued this practice.
The emphasis on attending Eid prayer is such that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded women to attend as well. Therefore, it is better for a woman that when she leaves her house for Eid prayer, she should not apply perfume, avoid adornments, and not wear clothes for fame, because the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Women should go out modestly."
They should stay separate from men, and menstruating women should stay away from the prayer area, but participate in the supplication.
Sayyidah Umm 'Atiyyah رضي الله تعالى عنها says:
"كُنَّا نُؤْمَرُ أَنْ نَخْرُجَ يَوْمَ الْعِيدِ حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْبِكْرَ مِنْ خِدْرِهَا حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْحُيَّضَ فَيَكُنَّ خَلْفَ النَّاسِ فَيُكَبِّرْنَ بِتَكْبِيرِهِمْ"
"We were commanded to go out on the day of Eid... even to bring out young virgins from their seclusion and menstruating women, so they would stay behind the people and say takbir along with their takbir."
Everyone going out together for Eid prayer is an expression of the symbols of Islam and a prominent outward manifestation of the religion of Islam. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ led the first Eid (Eid al-Fitr) in the second year of Hijrah, and then continued to lead it until he ﷺ passed away. After that, Muslims have continuously practiced it.
If the people of a city abandon the Eid prayer (according to its conditions), then it is obligatory for the Amir/Caliph to fight against them, because it is one of the outward signs of the religion of Islam, like the Adhan.
The Eid prayer should be offered in an open field near the city. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri رضي الله عنه:
"كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَخْرُجُ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ وَالأَضْحَى إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to go out from Madinah Munawwarah to an open space to offer the prayers of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
There is no authentic narration that the Prophet ﷺ offered the Eid prayer in the mosque without a valid reason. Going to an open field establishes the awe of Islam and its followers and manifests the symbols of the religion. Since there are only two such large gatherings in a year (unlike Friday prayers, which are every week), there is no difficulty in it. However, it is permissible to offer the Eid prayer in the mosque where there is a necessity, such as in Makkah Mukarramah etc.
The earliest time for the Eid prayer begins when the sun has risen to the height of a spear. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to offer the Eid prayer at that time.
And the latest time is until the sun passes its zenith.
If Eid is known after noon, then it should be made up the next day. The Companions رضي الله عنهم state that once we could not see the moon of Shawwal due to clouds, so we fasted. In the last part of the day, a caravan came and testified that they had seen the moon the previous night. The Holy Prophet ﷺ ordered them to break their fast for today and go to the Eidgah tomorrow morning.
If the Eid prayer were valid after the decline, the Prophet ﷺ would not have delayed it to the next day. Furthermore, the Eid gathering is a very large public gathering, so adequate time should be given for its preparation.
It is Sunnah to offer the Eid al-Adha prayer early and to delay the Eid al-Fitr prayer somewhat. Imam Shafi'i رحمه الله narrated in a mursal report:
"ان النبي صلي الله عليه وسلم كَتَبَ إلَى عَمْرِو بن حَزْمٍ وهو بِنَجْرَانَ أَنْ عَجِّلْ الْغُدُوَّ إلَى الأَضْحَى وَأَخِّرْ الْفِطْرَ وَذَكِّرْ الناس"
"The Prophet ﷺ wrote to 'Amr bin Hazm رضي الله عنه to hasten in Eid al-Adha, and to delay in Eid al-Fitr, and to advise the people."
The wisdom in offering Eid al-Adha early is to allow more time for the sacrifice, and the wisdom in delaying Eid al-Fitr is to allow more time to give Sadaqat al-Fitr.
It is Sunnah to eat dates before going out for Eid al-Fitr, and to eat something after finishing the prayer on Eid al-Adha. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Buraydah رضي الله عنه:
"عن بريدة كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يخرج يوم الفطر حتى يطعم ولا يطعم يومالأضحى حتى يصلي"
"The Prophet ﷺ would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten something, and he would eat after the prayer on the day of Eid al-Adha."
Shaykh Taqi al-Din رحمه الله says: Allah Almighty mentioned the prayer before the sacrifice:
﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانحَر ﴿٢﴾... سورة الكوثر
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
And He gave precedence to purification over prayer:
﴿قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكَّى﴾،﴿ وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّى﴾
"He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself. And mentions the name of his Lord and prays."
① One should go to the Eidgah early in the morning for the prayer so that one can find a place near the Imam and attain the virtue and reward of waiting for the prayer.
② Every Muslim should wear the best of clothes for the Eid prayer. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"كَانَتْ لِلنَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ جُبَّةٌ يَلْبَسُهَا فِي الْعِيدَيْنِ ، وَيَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ had a beautiful set of clothes that he would wear on Fridays and Eids."
And it is also narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ would wear good clothes on the occasion of Eidain.
③ Like the Friday prayer, the Eid prayer is also for residents. Eid prayer is not obligatory on a traveler. During the days of the Prophet's ﷺ Hajj (in Mina), the day of Eid came, but he ﷺ did not offer the Eid prayer due to traveling, and the Khulafa' (Rightly Guided Caliphs) رضي الله عنهم اجمعين did the same.
④ The Eid prayer is two Rak'ahs and is offered before the Khutbah. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه:
"شهدتُ العيدَ مع رسولِ الله صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم، وأبي بكرٍ، وعُمرَ، وعُثمانَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عنهم، فكلُّهم كانوا يُصلُّونَ قَبلَ الخُطبةِ"
"I offered the Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman رضي الله عنهم; all of them would pray before the Khutbah."
The practice of the Companions رضي الله عنهم أجمعين and subsequent scholars has been consistently that the Eid prayers are before the sermon.
The wisdom behind the sermon being after the Eid prayer and before the Friday prayer may be that the Friday sermon is a condition for the prayer, and a condition precedes what it conditions, while in Eid, the sermon is not a condition but a Sunnah.
⑤ There is a consensus among the Muslims that the Eid prayers consist of two Rak'ahs. It is narrated from Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه:
"أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم خَرَجَ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ فَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَمْ يُصَلِّ قَبْلَهَا وَلَا بَعْدَهَا"
"The Prophet ﷺ went out on the day of Eid al-Fitr and offered only two Rak'ahs, without praying any Nafl before or after it."
And it is narrated from Sayyidna Umar bin al-Khattab رضي الله عنه:
"صَلَاةُ الْأَضْحَى رَكْعَتَانِ وَصَلَاةُ الْفِطْرِ رَكْعَتَانِ....... تَمَامٌ غَيْرُ قَصْرٍ عَلَى لِسَانِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم"
"The prayer of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr is two Rak'ahs... This is a complete prayer, not shortened. This is what Muhammad ﷺ said."
And it is also narrated:
"He is a loser who attributes falsehood to him ﷺ."
⑥ There is neither Adhan nor Iqamah before the Eid prayer. It is narrated from Sayyidna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"I offered the Eid prayer with the Prophet ﷺ many times. He ﷺ led the prayer before the sermon, for which neither Adhan was called nor Iqamah."
⑦ In the first rak'ah, seven takbirs should be said after the Takbir-e-Tahrima and the Dua-e-Istiftah. Takbir-e-Tahrima is a pillar (rukn), without which the prayer is not valid, while the remaining takbirs are Sunnah. Then recite the Ta'awwudh because Ta'awwudh is for the recitation of the Quran, then recite the Quran.
⑧ In the second rak'ah, five takbirs should be said before the recitation (other than Takbir-e-Intiqal). It is narrated from Sayyidna Abdullah bin Amr رضي الله تعالى عنه:
"أنَّ رسولَ الله صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم كبَّر في عيدٍ اثنتي عشرةَ تكبيرةً، سبعًا في الأولى، وخمسًا في الأخرى"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said twelve (extra) takbirs in the Eid prayer: seven in the first rak'ah and five in the second rak'ah."
There are other narrations regarding the number of takbirs. Imam Ahmad رحمه الله states that the Companions رضي الله عنھم اجمعین differed in the number of takbirs, so every form is permissible.
⑨ Raise the hands with each takbir, because the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to raise his hands with every takbir.
Between every two takbirs, these words should be recited:
"الله أكبر كبيرا والحمد لله كثيرا، وسبحان الله بكرة واصيلا، وصلى الله على محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثيرا"
Sayyidna Uqba bin Amir رضي الله تعالى عنه asked Sayyidna Abdullah bin Masood رضي الله تعالى عنه what should be recited between the Eid takbirs? He said: Praise and glorify Allah and send blessings upon the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
Sayyidna Hudhaifa bin Yaman رضي الله تعالى عنه confirmed Sayyidna Ibn Masood رضي الله تعالى عنه.
In short! Other words can also be recited between the takbirs, because no specific mention has been made in any narration.
Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله states: The Prophet ﷺ used to pause slightly between the Takbirs, but no specific Dhikr has been proven from him between the Takbirs.
⑩ (Mentioned elsewhere) If there is doubt about the number of Takbirs, then count the lower number, for example, if there is doubt whether three or four were said, then count three because the lower number is certain.
⑪ If one forgets to say the extra Takbirs until the recitation has begun, then continue the recitation, because these Takbirs were Sunnah and their time has passed.
⑫ If a person joins the Eid prayer while the Imam is reciting, then he should join by saying the Takbir-e-Tahrima and not say the extra Takbirs alone. Similarly, if someone joins in the Ruku', then he should go into Ruku' after saying the Takbir-e-Tahrima and not engage in the extra Takbirs.
⑬ The Eid prayer is two Rak'ahs. The Imam should recite aloud in them. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه says:
"كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يجهر بالقراءة في العيدين والاستسقاء"
"The Prophet ﷺ used to recite aloud in Eidain and Istisqa prayers."
There is a consensus of the scholars on this, and this is what the Salaf have been practicing.
⑭ The Imam should recite Surah al-A'la after Surah al-Fatiha in the first Rak'ah and Surah al-Ghashiyah in the second Rak'ah. It is narrated from Hazrat Samurah رضي الله عنه:
"كان رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقْرَأُ في الْعِيدَيْنِ وفي الْجُمُعَةِ: بـ﴿سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى﴾، و﴿هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَةِ﴾"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite ﴿سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى﴾ in the first Rak'ah and ﴿هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَةِ﴾ in the second Rak'ah in Eidain and Jumu'ah."
And in the first rak'ah, Surah Qaf and in the second rak'ah Surah al-Qamar can also be recited, as it is in Sahih Muslim etc.:
"كَانَ يَقْرَأُ فِيهِمَا بِ ﴿ق وَالْقُرْآنِ الْمَجِيدِ﴾ ، ﴿وَاقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانْشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ﴾"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite Surah Qaf in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Qamar in the second rak'ah."
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله states: It is permissible for the Imam to recite any portion of the Holy Quran in the Eid prayer, but it is better if he recites Surah Qaf and Surah al-Qamar (or other Sunnah surahs).
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite such surahs in large gatherings in which there was mention of Tawhid, commands and prohibitions, the world and the hereafter, the events of previous prophets and nations, or those surahs in which there were events of punishment and examples of destruction due to disbelief and denial, and a statement of salvation and well-being for the believers.
⑮ After finishing the prayer, the Imam should deliver two Eid sermons and sit between them. It is narrated from Abdullah bin Ubaidullah bin Utbah:
"السُّنَّةُ أَنْ يَخْطُبَ الإِمَامُ فِي العِيدَيْنِ خُطْبَتَيْنِ يَفْصِلُ بَيْنَهُمَا بِجُلُوسٍ"
"The Sunnah is that the Imam should deliver two sermons on Eidain and separate them by sitting."
It is narrated from Sayyidna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"فَخَطَبَ قَائِمًا ، ثُمَّ قَعَدَ قَعْدَةً ، ثُمَّ قَامَ"
"The Prophet ﷺ delivered the sermon standing, then sat for a while, then stood up."
And it is in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:
"فَبَدَأَ بِالصَّلَاةِ قَبْلَ الْخُطْبَةِ ، بِلَا أَذَانٍ وَلَا إِقَامَةٍ ، ثُمَّ قَامَ مُتَوَكِّئًا عَلَى بِلَالٍ ، فَأَمَرَ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَحَثَّ عَلَى طَاعَتِهِ....."
"The Prophet ﷺ led the prayer before the sermon without Adhan and Iqamah, then stood up relying on Sayyidna Bilal رضي الله عنه, commanded piety, and encouraged obedience..."
In the Eid al-Fitr sermon, the Imam should draw people's attention to paying Sadaqat al-Fitr, and explain its rules, amount, time, and types of goods. In the Eid al-Adha sermon, the rules and regulations of sacrifice should be explained, because the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to mostly explain these issues in the Eid al-Adha sermon. The speakers should, in this great gathering, with piety and exhortation, talk in accordance with the circumstances and events in such a way that people are guided, the negligent are warned, and the ignorant are informed of the issues.
⑯ The presence of women in the Eidgah has already been mentioned. The speaker should also address women in the Eid sermon. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ felt that the voice would not reach the women, he ﷺ went to their gathering, preached, and encouraged charity. From this, it is known that a part of the Eid sermon should also be for women, because they need it very much, and it is also following the Sunnah.
⑰ Among the rules of Eid prayer is that it is Makrooh to offer Nafl prayers before or after the congregation in the Eidgah. It is narrated from Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه:
"أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم خَرَجَ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ فَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَمْ يُصَلِّ قَبْلَهَا وَلَا بَعْدَهَا"
"The Prophet ﷺ went out on the day of Eid al-Fitr and offered only two rak'ahs, without offering any nafl prayers before or after."
One reason for not offering nafl prayers before or after Eid may be so that people do not start to think that this prayer also has Sunnah prayers.
Imam Zuhri رحمه الله said: I have not heard from any of the scholars that any of the predecessors used to offer nafl prayers before or after the Eid prayer, and Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه used to forbid prayer before Eid. Imam Ahmad رحمه الله said: The people of Madinah did not offer any nafl prayers before or after the Eid prayer (while the people of Basra did).
⑱ There is nothing wrong with offering nafl prayers after returning home. It is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad etc. that the Prophet ﷺ used to offer two rak'ahs when he returned home.
⑲ If someone misses the Eid prayer or catches only a part of it, then he should offer two rak'ahs with extra takbirat (twelve), because the qada (make-up) should be in accordance with the ada (performance), and there is generality in the Prophet's ﷺ statement:
" فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ ، فَصَلُّوا ، وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوا"
"Whatever part (of the prayer) you catch (with the Imam), pray, and whatever you miss, complete it later."
And whoever misses one rak'ah should pray one more rak'ah. If someone arrives during the Eid sermon, they should first sit down and listen to the sermon quietly, then pray two rak'ahs after the sermon. If there are many people, they can pray in congregation, otherwise, they should pray individually.
⑳ As many Takbirat as one wishes can be recited during Eidain, without any time restriction. Men should recite the Takbirat loudly, while women should keep their voices low. Takbirat should also be recited during the nights of Eidain and in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلِتُكمِلُوا العِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلىٰ ما هَدىٰكُم وَلَعَلَّكُم تَشكُرونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾... سورة البقرة
"So that you may complete the number [of days] and glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
Takbirat should be recited frequently and loudly in homes, markets, mosques, and every suitable place, and while going to the Eidgah. It is narrated in Darqutni etc. regarding Sayyidna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه that on the day of Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, he would go out early in the morning reciting Takbir, and would continue reciting Takbir loudly until he reached the Eidgah, and until the Imam arrived.
And it is narrated from Sayyidah Umm Atiyyah رضي الله عنها in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:
"كُنَّا نُؤْمَرُ أَنْ نَخْرُجَ يَوْمَ الْعِيدِ حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْبِكْرَ مِنْ خِدْرِهَا حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْحُيَّضَ فَيَكُنَّ خَلْفَ النَّاسِ فَيُكَبِّرْنَ بِتَكْبِيرِهِمْ"
"We were ordered to come out on the day of Eid... even to bring out women in menstruation, who would stay behind the men and say the Takbirat with them."
It is recommended to recite Takbir loudly to express the symbols of Islam.
There is special emphasis on Takbir in Eid al-Fitr, because Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلِتُكمِلُوا العِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلىٰ ما هَدىٰكُم وَلَعَلَّكُم تَشكُرونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾... سورة البقرة
"So that you may complete the number [of days] and glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
㉑ On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Imam and the followers should recite the Takbirat aloud after the obligatory prayer with congregation.
It is narrated from Sayyidna Jabir رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) after the morning prayer, turned to the Companions and said:
""كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُكَبِّرُ فِي صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ إِلَى صَلَاةِ الْعَصْرِ مِنْ آخِرِ أَيَّامِ التَّشْرِيقِ حِينَ يُسَلِّمُ مِنْ الْمَكْتُوبَاتِ""
For a non-pilgrim, the Takbirat are from the Fajr of 9th Dhul-Hijjah to the Asr of the days of Tashriq, 13th Dhul-Hijjah. For a pilgrim, it is from the Dhuhr of Yawm al-Nahr to the Asr of the days of Tashriq, because before Yawm al-Nahr he is engaged in Talbiyah.
Imam Daraqutni narrates the narration of Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say Takbir after the Salam of the obligatory prayers from the morning of Arafah until the end of the days of Tashriq."
And in one narration it is:
"كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا صَلَّى الصُّبْحَ مِنْ غَدَاةِ عَرَفَةَ يُقْبِلُ عَلَى أَصْحَابِهِ فَيَقُولُ: ((عَلَى مَكَانِكُمْ))، وَيَقُولُ: ((اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ"
"When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to lead the morning prayer on the day of Arafah, he would turn to his companions and say: Remain seated in your places, then he would start the Takbir: ((﴿وَاذكُرُوا اللَّهَ فى أَيّامٍ مَعدودٰتٍ...﴿٢٠٣﴾... سورة البقرة))"
And Allah Almighty said:
"And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days."
These days refer to the days of Tashriq.
Imam Nawawi رحمه الله says: This is the most correct view and this is what the Muslims have been practicing.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله says: The most correct statement about the Takbirat is that Takbir should be said after every obligatory prayer from the Fajr of the day of Arafah until the Asr of the last day of Tashriq (13th Dhul-Hijjah), and this is the position of the majority of the Salaf and the jurists among the Companions رضي الله عنھم اجمعين.
It is mentioned in Sunan: "The day of Arafah, the day of Nahr (sacrifice), and the days of Mina are days of Eid for us, the people of Islam, and they are days of eating and drinking."
And in one narration it is: "Days of remembrance of Allah."
And the person in Ihram should start saying these Takbirs after the Zuhr prayer on the day of Nahr, because the Talbiyah ends after stoning Jamrat al-Aqaba, and the prescribed time for stoning is forenoon. So, the person in Ihram becomes like one who is out of Ihram at that time. Even if he stoned before Fajr, he should still start the Takbirat after Zuhr, because the common practice of people is that they stone during the forenoon and say the Takbirat after Zuhr.
㉒ There is no harm in congratulating each other after Eid. It is appropriate to say when meeting:
"تقبل الله منا ومنكم"
"May Allah accept from us and from you."
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله says: The practice of congratulating has been proven from a group of the Companions رضي الله عنهم أجمعين, that is why Imam Ahmad رحمه الله permitted it.
Imam Ahmad رحمه الله says: I do not initiate the congratulation, but if someone congratulates me, I respond. Perhaps the reason is that responding to Salam is obligatory, while initiating congratulations is not a Sunnah that is commanded, nor is it prohibited.
㉓ There is also no harm in shaking hands while congratulating.
ھذا ما عندی والله اعلم بالصواب
Question
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Rulings regarding Eid prayers.
Answer with the help of Al-Wahhab, contingent upon the correctness of the question
وعلیکم السلام ورحمة الله وبرکاته!
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
Status and Purpose of Eid Prayers
Eid prayers (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are established by the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and the consensus of the Ummah. The polytheists used to celebrate different festivals on different occasions and in different places, so Islam abolished those festivals and established Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The purpose of these two Eids is to thank Allah Almighty for the performance of great acts of worship such as fasting in Ramadan and Hajj to the House of Allah.
① Festivals of the People of Madinah and Islamic Eids
It is narrated in Sahih Hadith that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to Madinah, he saw that the people of Madinah had set aside two days in the year for amusement and play. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَبْدَلَكُمْ بِهِمَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُمَا يَوْمَ الْأَضْحَى وَيَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ"
"Allah Almighty has given you two better days in their place, which are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
Reference: Sunan al-Nasa'i, Salat al-'Eidain, Hadith 1557 and Musnad Ahmad 3/103
There is no room in Islam for inventing any other Eid besides these two Eids, such as Eid Milad al-Nabi ﷺ etc. This is an addition to the religion of Allah and the introduction of innovation, it is against the Sunnah of Sayyid al-Mursalin ﷺ, and it is also a resemblance to the disbelievers. Calling any day an Eid or celebrating a day, week, or year in memory of any person/event—has nothing to do with Islam, but rather it is a work of ignorance and imitation of Western sects.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ "
"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud, Al-Libas, Bab Fi Libas al-Shuhra, Hadith 4031
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
"فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابُ اللَّهِ وَخَيْرُ الْهُدَى هُدَى مُحَمَّدٍ(صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) وَشَرُّ الأُمُورِ مُحْدَثَاتُهَا وَكُلُّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلاَلَةٌ"
"The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad ﷺ, and the worst of things are newly invented matters, and every innovation is a misguidance."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-I'tisam bil Kitab wal Sunnah, Bab al-Iqtida' bi Sunan Rasul Allah ﷺ, Hadith 7277; and Sahih Muslim, Al-Jumu'ah, Bab Takhfif al-Salat wal Khutbah, Hadith 867, and the wording is his
We ask Allah Almighty to show us the truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it, and to show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the courage to avoid it.
The Meaning of Eid
The meaning of Eid is "to return." Eid is called Eid because it returns repeatedly every year, bringing joy and happiness, and in it, Allah Almighty bestows His grace and favor upon His servants (as a result of fasting or Hajj).
② Evidence for the Legitimacy of Eid Prayer
The saying of Allah Almighty is evidence for the legitimacy of Eid prayer:
﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانحَر ﴿٢﴾... سورة الكوثر
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
Reference: (Al-Kawthar 108/2)
Also, Allah Almighty says:
﴿قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكَّى﴾، ﴿وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّى﴾
"He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself, And mentions the name of his Lord and prays."
Reference: Al-A'la 87/14-15
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and after him the Rightly Guided Caliphs رضي الله عنھم أجمعين continued this practice.
③ Emphasis on Attending Eid Prayer and Women's Attendance
The emphasis on attending Eid prayer is such that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded women to attend as well. Therefore, it is better for a woman that when she leaves her house for Eid prayer, she should not apply perfume, avoid adornments, and not wear clothes for fame, because the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Women should go out modestly."
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Chapter on What is Mentioned About Women Going Out to the Mosque, Hadith 565
They should stay separate from men, and menstruating women should stay away from the prayer area, but participate in the supplication.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Hayd, Chapter on Menstruating Women Attending the Two Eids and the Supplication of Muslims, and They Should Stay Away from the Prayer Area, Hadith 324; Sahih Muslim, Al-Eidain, Chapter on Mentioning the Permissibility of Women Going Out to the Prayer Area on the Two Eids, Hadith 890
Sayyidah Umm 'Atiyyah رضي الله تعالى عنها says:
"كُنَّا نُؤْمَرُ أَنْ نَخْرُجَ يَوْمَ الْعِيدِ حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْبِكْرَ مِنْ خِدْرِهَا حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْحُيَّضَ فَيَكُنَّ خَلْفَ النَّاسِ فَيُكَبِّرْنَ بِتَكْبِيرِهِمْ"
"We were commanded to go out on the day of Eid... even to bring out young virgins from their seclusion and menstruating women, so they would stay behind the people and say takbir along with their takbir."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Hayd, Chapter on Menstruating Women Attending the Two Eids, Hadith 324
④ Eid Prayers: A Symbol of Islam and an Outward Manifestation
Everyone going out together for Eid prayer is an expression of the symbols of Islam and a prominent outward manifestation of the religion of Islam. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ led the first Eid (Eid al-Fitr) in the second year of Hijrah, and then continued to lead it until he ﷺ passed away. After that, Muslims have continuously practiced it.
If the people of a city abandon the Eid prayer (according to its conditions), then it is obligatory for the Amir/Caliph to fight against them, because it is one of the outward signs of the religion of Islam, like the Adhan.
⑤ Performing Eid Prayer in the Eidgah
The Eid prayer should be offered in an open field near the city. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri رضي الله عنه:
"كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَخْرُجُ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ وَالأَضْحَى إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to go out from Madinah Munawwarah to an open space to offer the prayers of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Eidain, Bab al-Khuruj ila al-Musalla bi ghairi Minbar, Hadith 956; and Sahih Muslim, al-Eidain, Bab Salat al-Eidain, Hadith 889
There is no authentic narration that the Prophet ﷺ offered the Eid prayer in the mosque without a valid reason. Going to an open field establishes the awe of Islam and its followers and manifests the symbols of the religion. Since there are only two such large gatherings in a year (unlike Friday prayers, which are every week), there is no difficulty in it. However, it is permissible to offer the Eid prayer in the mosque where there is a necessity, such as in Makkah Mukarramah etc.
⑥ The Time of Eid Prayer
The earliest time for the Eid prayer begins when the sun has risen to the height of a spear. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to offer the Eid prayer at that time.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, al-Salat, Bab Waqt al-Khuruj ila al-Eid, Hadith 1135; and Talkhis al-Habeer 2/83
And the latest time is until the sun passes its zenith.
⑦ If Eid is Known After Noon
If Eid is known after noon, then it should be made up the next day. The Companions رضي الله عنهم state that once we could not see the moon of Shawwal due to clouds, so we fasted. In the last part of the day, a caravan came and testified that they had seen the moon the previous night. The Holy Prophet ﷺ ordered them to break their fast for today and go to the Eidgah tomorrow morning.
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 5/75; and Sunan Abi Dawood, al-Salat, Bab Iza Lam Yakhruj al-Imam lil-Eid min Yaumihi Yakhruj min al-Ghad, Hadith 1157
If the Eid prayer were valid after the decline, the Prophet ﷺ would not have delayed it to the next day. Furthermore, the Eid gathering is a very large public gathering, so adequate time should be given for its preparation.
⑧ Advancing Eid al-Adha and Delaying Eid al-Fitr Somewhat
It is Sunnah to offer the Eid al-Adha prayer early and to delay the Eid al-Fitr prayer somewhat. Imam Shafi'i رحمه الله narrated in a mursal report:
"ان النبي صلي الله عليه وسلم كَتَبَ إلَى عَمْرِو بن حَزْمٍ وهو بِنَجْرَانَ أَنْ عَجِّلْ الْغُدُوَّ إلَى الأَضْحَى وَأَخِّرْ الْفِطْرَ وَذَكِّرْ الناس"
"The Prophet ﷺ wrote to 'Amr bin Hazm رضي الله عنه to hasten in Eid al-Adha, and to delay in Eid al-Fitr, and to advise the people."
Reference: (Very weak) Al-Umm by Imam Shafi'i, Kitab al-Eidain, Bab Waqt al-Ghadw ila al-Eidain, Hadith 457; Irwa' al-Ghalil, Hadith 633
The wisdom in offering Eid al-Adha early is to allow more time for the sacrifice, and the wisdom in delaying Eid al-Fitr is to allow more time to give Sadaqat al-Fitr.
⑨ Eating on Eid al-Fitr and After the Prayer on Eid al-Adha
It is Sunnah to eat dates before going out for Eid al-Fitr, and to eat something after finishing the prayer on Eid al-Adha. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Buraydah رضي الله عنه:
"عن بريدة كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يخرج يوم الفطر حتى يطعم ولا يطعم يومالأضحى حتى يصلي"
"The Prophet ﷺ would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten something, and he would eat after the prayer on the day of Eid al-Adha."
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 5/352
Shaykh Taqi al-Din رحمه الله says: Allah Almighty mentioned the prayer before the sacrifice:
﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانحَر ﴿٢﴾... سورة الكوثر
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
Reference: (Al-Kawthar 2/108)
And He gave precedence to purification over prayer:
﴿قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكَّى﴾،﴿ وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّى﴾
"He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself. And mentions the name of his Lord and prays."
Reference: Al-A'la 87/14-15
Etiquette of Going to the Eidgah and Preparing
① One should go to the Eidgah early in the morning for the prayer so that one can find a place near the Imam and attain the virtue and reward of waiting for the prayer.
② Every Muslim should wear the best of clothes for the Eid prayer. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"كَانَتْ لِلنَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ جُبَّةٌ يَلْبَسُهَا فِي الْعِيدَيْنِ ، وَيَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ had a beautiful set of clothes that he would wear on Fridays and Eids."
Reference: (Da'if) Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Jama' Abwab al-Tib wal-Tasawwuk wal-Libas lil-Jumu'ah, Bab Istihbab Lubs al-Jubbah fil-Jumu'ah, Hadith 1766; and Silsilah al-Ahadith al-Da'ifah, Hadith 2455
And it is also narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ would wear good clothes on the occasion of Eidain.
③ Like the Friday prayer, the Eid prayer is also for residents. Eid prayer is not obligatory on a traveler. During the days of the Prophet's ﷺ Hajj (in Mina), the day of Eid came, but he ﷺ did not offer the Eid prayer due to traveling, and the Khulafa' (Rightly Guided Caliphs) رضي الله عنهم اجمعين did the same.
⑩ Eid Prayer: Two Rak'ahs, Khutbah Afterwards
④ The Eid prayer is two Rak'ahs and is offered before the Khutbah. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه:
"شهدتُ العيدَ مع رسولِ الله صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم، وأبي بكرٍ، وعُمرَ، وعُثمانَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عنهم، فكلُّهم كانوا يُصلُّونَ قَبلَ الخُطبةِ"
"I offered the Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman رضي الله عنهم; all of them would pray before the Khutbah."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Eidain, Bab al-Khutbah Ba'd al-Eid, Hadith 962; and Sahih Muslim, Kitab wa Bab Salat al-Eidain, Hadith 884
The practice of the Companions رضي الله عنهم أجمعين and subsequent scholars has been consistently that the Eid prayers are before the sermon.
Reference: Jami` al-Tirmidhi, al-Eidain, Chapter: What has been reported about offering the Eid prayers before the sermon, under Hadith 531
The wisdom behind the sermon being after the Eid prayer and before the Friday prayer may be that the Friday sermon is a condition for the prayer, and a condition precedes what it conditions, while in Eid, the sermon is not a condition but a Sunnah.
⑪ Consensus on the Eid Prayers Being Two Rak'ahs
⑤ There is a consensus among the Muslims that the Eid prayers consist of two Rak'ahs. It is narrated from Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه:
"أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم خَرَجَ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ فَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَمْ يُصَلِّ قَبْلَهَا وَلَا بَعْدَهَا"
"The Prophet ﷺ went out on the day of Eid al-Fitr and offered only two Rak'ahs, without praying any Nafl before or after it."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Eidain, Chapter: Praying before and after Eid, Hadith 989; Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Eidain, Chapter: Abandoning prayer before and after Eid in the Musalla, Hadith 884
And it is narrated from Sayyidna Umar bin al-Khattab رضي الله عنه:
"صَلَاةُ الْأَضْحَى رَكْعَتَانِ وَصَلَاةُ الْفِطْرِ رَكْعَتَانِ....... تَمَامٌ غَيْرُ قَصْرٍ عَلَى لِسَانِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم"
"The prayer of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr is two Rak'ahs... This is a complete prayer, not shortened. This is what Muhammad ﷺ said."
Reference: Musnad Ahmad: 1/37
And it is also narrated:
"He is a loser who attributes falsehood to him ﷺ."
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 1/91 from Ali رضي الله عنه
⑫ No Adhan or Iqamah for Eid
⑥ There is neither Adhan nor Iqamah before the Eid prayer. It is narrated from Sayyidna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"I offered the Eid prayer with the Prophet ﷺ many times. He ﷺ led the prayer before the sermon, for which neither Adhan was called nor Iqamah."
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book and Chapter on Salat al-Eidain, Hadith 885-887
⑬ The Method of Additional Takbirs
⑦ In the first rak'ah, seven takbirs should be said after the Takbir-e-Tahrima and the Dua-e-Istiftah. Takbir-e-Tahrima is a pillar (rukn), without which the prayer is not valid, while the remaining takbirs are Sunnah. Then recite the Ta'awwudh because Ta'awwudh is for the recitation of the Quran, then recite the Quran.
⑧ In the second rak'ah, five takbirs should be said before the recitation (other than Takbir-e-Intiqal). It is narrated from Sayyidna Abdullah bin Amr رضي الله تعالى عنه:
"أنَّ رسولَ الله صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم كبَّر في عيدٍ اثنتي عشرةَ تكبيرةً، سبعًا في الأولى، وخمسًا في الأخرى"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said twelve (extra) takbirs in the Eid prayer: seven in the first rak'ah and five in the second rak'ah."
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 2/180
There are other narrations regarding the number of takbirs. Imam Ahmad رحمه الله states that the Companions رضي الله عنھم اجمعین differed in the number of takbirs, so every form is permissible.
⑨ Raise the hands with each takbir, because the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to raise his hands with every takbir.
Between every two takbirs, these words should be recited:
"الله أكبر كبيرا والحمد لله كثيرا، وسبحان الله بكرة واصيلا، وصلى الله على محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثيرا"
Sayyidna Uqba bin Amir رضي الله تعالى عنه asked Sayyidna Abdullah bin Masood رضي الله تعالى عنه what should be recited between the Eid takbirs? He said: Praise and glorify Allah and send blessings upon the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
Reference: Irwa al-Ghalil 3/114. Hadith 642
Sayyidna Hudhaifa bin Yaman رضي الله تعالى عنه confirmed Sayyidna Ibn Masood رضي الله تعالى عنه.
In short! Other words can also be recited between the takbirs, because no specific mention has been made in any narration.
Reference: (Da'if) Al-Sunan al-Kubra lil Bayhaqi Salat al-Eidain Bab Yati bi Dua al-Iftitah Aqib Takbirat al-Iftitah 3/291
Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله states: The Prophet ﷺ used to pause slightly between the Takbirs, but no specific Dhikr has been proven from him between the Takbirs.
Reference: [Zad al-Ma'ad 1/443. The view of Imam Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله seems more correct. (Sarim)]
⑩ (Mentioned elsewhere) If there is doubt about the number of Takbirs, then count the lower number, for example, if there is doubt whether three or four were said, then count three because the lower number is certain.
⑪ If one forgets to say the extra Takbirs until the recitation has begun, then continue the recitation, because these Takbirs were Sunnah and their time has passed.
⑫ If a person joins the Eid prayer while the Imam is reciting, then he should join by saying the Takbir-e-Tahrima and not say the extra Takbirs alone. Similarly, if someone joins in the Ruku', then he should go into Ruku' after saying the Takbir-e-Tahrima and not engage in the extra Takbirs.
⑭ Recitation in Eid Prayer in a Loud Voice
⑬ The Eid prayer is two Rak'ahs. The Imam should recite aloud in them. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه says:
"كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يجهر بالقراءة في العيدين والاستسقاء"
"The Prophet ﷺ used to recite aloud in Eidain and Istisqa prayers."
Reference: (Da'if) Sunan al-Daraqutni, Kitab al-Istisqa, 2/66, Hadith 1785; Irwa al-Ghalil, Hadith 643
There is a consensus of the scholars on this, and this is what the Salaf have been practicing.
⑮ Recommended Surahs in Eid Prayer
⑭ The Imam should recite Surah al-A'la after Surah al-Fatiha in the first Rak'ah and Surah al-Ghashiyah in the second Rak'ah. It is narrated from Hazrat Samurah رضي الله عنه:
"كان رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقْرَأُ في الْعِيدَيْنِ وفي الْجُمُعَةِ: بـ﴿سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى﴾، و﴿هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَةِ﴾"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite ﴿سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى﴾ in the first Rak'ah and ﴿هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَةِ﴾ in the second Rak'ah in Eidain and Jumu'ah."
Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah, Iqamat al-Salawat, Bab Ma Ja'a fi al-Qira'at fi Salat al-'Eidain, Hadith 1283; Musnad Ahmad 5/14
And in the first rak'ah, Surah Qaf and in the second rak'ah Surah al-Qamar can also be recited, as it is in Sahih Muslim etc.:
"كَانَ يَقْرَأُ فِيهِمَا بِ ﴿ق وَالْقُرْآنِ الْمَجِيدِ﴾ ، ﴿وَاقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانْشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ﴾"
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite Surah Qaf in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Qamar in the second rak'ah."
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Eidain, Chapter on what to recite in Salat al-Eidain, Hadith 891; Sunan Abi Dawood, Salat, Chapter on what to recite in al-Adha and al-Fitr, Hadith 1154
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله states: It is permissible for the Imam to recite any portion of the Holy Quran in the Eid prayer, but it is better if he recites Surah Qaf and Surah al-Qamar (or other Sunnah surahs).
Reference: Majmu' al-Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyyah 24/219
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite such surahs in large gatherings in which there was mention of Tawhid, commands and prohibitions, the world and the hereafter, the events of previous prophets and nations, or those surahs in which there were events of punishment and examples of destruction due to disbelief and denial, and a statement of salvation and well-being for the believers.
⑯ Eid Sermons
⑮ After finishing the prayer, the Imam should deliver two Eid sermons and sit between them. It is narrated from Abdullah bin Ubaidullah bin Utbah:
"السُّنَّةُ أَنْ يَخْطُبَ الإِمَامُ فِي العِيدَيْنِ خُطْبَتَيْنِ يَفْصِلُ بَيْنَهُمَا بِجُلُوسٍ"
"The Sunnah is that the Imam should deliver two sermons on Eidain and separate them by sitting."
Reference: (Da'if) Kitab al-Umm, Salat al-Eidain, Chapter on Separating the Two Sermons, Hadith 495; Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi, Chapter on the Imam Sitting When He Ascends the Pulpit, 3/299. See (Nasb al-Rayah: 2/221)
It is narrated from Sayyidna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"فَخَطَبَ قَائِمًا ، ثُمَّ قَعَدَ قَعْدَةً ، ثُمَّ قَامَ"
"The Prophet ﷺ delivered the sermon standing, then sat for a while, then stood up."
Reference: (Munkar) Sunan Ibn Majah, Iqamat al-Salawat, Chapter on What Was Narrated About the Sermon on Eidain, Hadith 1289. The correct view is that only one sermon is proven for Eid prayer, two sermons are not proven. See Fatawa al-Din al-Kalis 6/301. (A.W.)
And it is in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:
"فَبَدَأَ بِالصَّلَاةِ قَبْلَ الْخُطْبَةِ ، بِلَا أَذَانٍ وَلَا إِقَامَةٍ ، ثُمَّ قَامَ مُتَوَكِّئًا عَلَى بِلَالٍ ، فَأَمَرَ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَحَثَّ عَلَى طَاعَتِهِ....."
"The Prophet ﷺ led the prayer before the sermon without Adhan and Iqamah, then stood up relying on Sayyidna Bilal رضي الله عنه, commanded piety, and encouraged obedience..."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, al-'Eidain, Bab al-Mashyi wal-Rukub ila al-'Eid wal-Salat Qabl al-Khutbah wa bi Ghair Adhan wa la Iqamah, Hadith 958; and Sahih Muslim, Kitab wa Bab Salat al-'Eidain, Hadith 885, and the wording is his.
In the Eid al-Fitr sermon, the Imam should draw people's attention to paying Sadaqat al-Fitr, and explain its rules, amount, time, and types of goods. In the Eid al-Adha sermon, the rules and regulations of sacrifice should be explained, because the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to mostly explain these issues in the Eid al-Adha sermon. The speakers should, in this great gathering, with piety and exhortation, talk in accordance with the circumstances and events in such a way that people are guided, the negligent are warned, and the ignorant are informed of the issues.
⑰ Addressing Women in the Eid Sermon
⑯ The presence of women in the Eidgah has already been mentioned. The speaker should also address women in the Eid sermon. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ felt that the voice would not reach the women, he ﷺ went to their gathering, preached, and encouraged charity. From this, it is known that a part of the Eid sermon should also be for women, because they need it very much, and it is also following the Sunnah.
⑱ Ruling on Nafl Prayer in the Eidgah
⑰ Among the rules of Eid prayer is that it is Makrooh to offer Nafl prayers before or after the congregation in the Eidgah. It is narrated from Sayyidna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه:
"أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم خَرَجَ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ فَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَمْ يُصَلِّ قَبْلَهَا وَلَا بَعْدَهَا"
"The Prophet ﷺ went out on the day of Eid al-Fitr and offered only two rak'ahs, without offering any nafl prayers before or after."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Eidain, Bab As-Salat Qabl al-Eid wa Ba'daha, Hadith 989; and Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Eidain, Bab Tark As-Salat Qabl al-Eid wa Ba'daha fil Musalla, Hadith 884
One reason for not offering nafl prayers before or after Eid may be so that people do not start to think that this prayer also has Sunnah prayers.
Imam Zuhri رحمه الله said: I have not heard from any of the scholars that any of the predecessors used to offer nafl prayers before or after the Eid prayer, and Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه used to forbid prayer before Eid. Imam Ahmad رحمه الله said: The people of Madinah did not offer any nafl prayers before or after the Eid prayer (while the people of Basra did).
Reference: Al-Mughni wa'l-Sharh al-Kabir 2/242
⑲ Offering Nafl Prayers After Returning Home
⑱ There is nothing wrong with offering nafl prayers after returning home. It is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad etc. that the Prophet ﷺ used to offer two rak'ahs when he returned home.
Reference: Musnad Ahmad 3/28, 40; and Sunan Ibn Majah, Iqamat As-Salawat, Bab Ma Ja'a fi As-Salat Qabl Salat al-Eid wa Ba'daha, Hadith 1293
⑳ Making Up the Eid Prayer if Missed
⑲ If someone misses the Eid prayer or catches only a part of it, then he should offer two rak'ahs with extra takbirat (twelve), because the qada (make-up) should be in accordance with the ada (performance), and there is generality in the Prophet's ﷺ statement:
" فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ ، فَصَلُّوا ، وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوا"
"Whatever part (of the prayer) you catch (with the Imam), pray, and whatever you miss, complete it later."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Adhan, Bab Qawl ar-Rajul Fatatna as-Salat, Hadith 635
And whoever misses one rak'ah should pray one more rak'ah. If someone arrives during the Eid sermon, they should first sit down and listen to the sermon quietly, then pray two rak'ahs after the sermon. If there are many people, they can pray in congregation, otherwise, they should pray individually.
㉑ The Takbirat of Eidain
⑳ As many Takbirat as one wishes can be recited during Eidain, without any time restriction. Men should recite the Takbirat loudly, while women should keep their voices low. Takbirat should also be recited during the nights of Eidain and in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلِتُكمِلُوا العِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلىٰ ما هَدىٰكُم وَلَعَلَّكُم تَشكُرونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾... سورة البقرة
"So that you may complete the number [of days] and glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
Reference: Al-Baqarah:2/185
Takbirat should be recited frequently and loudly in homes, markets, mosques, and every suitable place, and while going to the Eidgah. It is narrated in Darqutni etc. regarding Sayyidna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه that on the day of Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, he would go out early in the morning reciting Takbir, and would continue reciting Takbir loudly until he reached the Eidgah, and until the Imam arrived.
Reference: Sunan al-Daraqutni, Al-Eidain 2/44. Hadith 1700
And it is narrated from Sayyidah Umm Atiyyah رضي الله عنها in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:
"كُنَّا نُؤْمَرُ أَنْ نَخْرُجَ يَوْمَ الْعِيدِ حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْبِكْرَ مِنْ خِدْرِهَا حَتَّى نُخْرِجَ الْحُيَّضَ فَيَكُنَّ خَلْفَ النَّاسِ فَيُكَبِّرْنَ بِتَكْبِيرِهِمْ"
"We were ordered to come out on the day of Eid... even to bring out women in menstruation, who would stay behind the men and say the Takbirat with them."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Eidain, Bab al-Takbir fi Ayyam Mina wa Idha Ghada ila Arafa, Hadith 971; Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Eidain, Bab Dhikr Ibahat Khuruj al-Nisa fi al-Eidain ila al-Musalla, Hadith 890
It is recommended to recite Takbir loudly to express the symbols of Islam.
There is special emphasis on Takbir in Eid al-Fitr, because Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلِتُكمِلُوا العِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلىٰ ما هَدىٰكُم وَلَعَلَّكُم تَشكُرونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾... سورة البقرة
"So that you may complete the number [of days] and glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
Reference: Al-Baqarah:2/185
㉒ The Takbirat of Ayyam al-Tashriq
㉑ On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Imam and the followers should recite the Takbirat aloud after the obligatory prayer with congregation.
It is narrated from Sayyidna Jabir رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) after the morning prayer, turned to the Companions and said:
""كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُكَبِّرُ فِي صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ إِلَى صَلَاةِ الْعَصْرِ مِنْ آخِرِ أَيَّامِ التَّشْرِيقِ حِينَ يُسَلِّمُ مِنْ الْمَكْتُوبَاتِ""
Reference: (Da'if) Sunan al-Daraqutni, al-Eidain 2/49, Hadith 1721
For a non-pilgrim, the Takbirat are from the Fajr of 9th Dhul-Hijjah to the Asr of the days of Tashriq, 13th Dhul-Hijjah. For a pilgrim, it is from the Dhuhr of Yawm al-Nahr to the Asr of the days of Tashriq, because before Yawm al-Nahr he is engaged in Talbiyah.
Imam Daraqutni narrates the narration of Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say Takbir after the Salam of the obligatory prayers from the morning of Arafah until the end of the days of Tashriq."
Reference: (Da'if) Sunan al-Daraqutni, al-Eidain 2/48, Hadith 1719
And in one narration it is:
"كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا صَلَّى الصُّبْحَ مِنْ غَدَاةِ عَرَفَةَ يُقْبِلُ عَلَى أَصْحَابِهِ فَيَقُولُ: ((عَلَى مَكَانِكُمْ))، وَيَقُولُ: ((اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ"
"When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to lead the morning prayer on the day of Arafah, he would turn to his companions and say: Remain seated in your places, then he would start the Takbir: ((﴿وَاذكُرُوا اللَّهَ فى أَيّامٍ مَعدودٰتٍ...﴿٢٠٣﴾... سورة البقرة))"
Reference: (Da'if) Sunan al-Daraqutni, al-Eidain 2/49, Hadith 1721
And Allah Almighty said:
"And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days."
Reference: Al-Baqarah: 2/203
These days refer to the days of Tashriq.
Imam Nawawi رحمه الله says: This is the most correct view and this is what the Muslims have been practicing.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله says: The most correct statement about the Takbirat is that Takbir should be said after every obligatory prayer from the Fajr of the day of Arafah until the Asr of the last day of Tashriq (13th Dhul-Hijjah), and this is the position of the majority of the Salaf and the jurists among the Companions رضي الله عنھم اجمعين.
Reference: Majmu' al-Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyyah 24/220
It is mentioned in Sunan: "The day of Arafah, the day of Nahr (sacrifice), and the days of Mina are days of Eid for us, the people of Islam, and they are days of eating and drinking."
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi, As-Sawm, Bab Ma Ja'a Fi Karahiyat Sawm Ayyam at-Tashreeq, Hadith 773; Sunan Abi Dawud, As-Siyam, Bab Siyam Ayyam at-Tashreeq, Hadith 2419; Sunan an-Nasa'i, Al-Manasik, Bab an-Nahi 'an Sawm Yawm 'Arafah, Hadith 3007
And in one narration it is: "Days of remembrance of Allah."
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud, Ad-Dahaya, Bab Habs Luhoom al-Adahi, Hadith 2813
And the person in Ihram should start saying these Takbirs after the Zuhr prayer on the day of Nahr, because the Talbiyah ends after stoning Jamrat al-Aqaba, and the prescribed time for stoning is forenoon. So, the person in Ihram becomes like one who is out of Ihram at that time. Even if he stoned before Fajr, he should still start the Takbirat after Zuhr, because the common practice of people is that they stone during the forenoon and say the Takbirat after Zuhr.
㉓ Eid Greetings
㉒ There is no harm in congratulating each other after Eid. It is appropriate to say when meeting:
"تقبل الله منا ومنكم"
"May Allah accept from us and from you."
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله says: The practice of congratulating has been proven from a group of the Companions رضي الله عنهم أجمعين, that is why Imam Ahmad رحمه الله permitted it.
Reference: Majmu' al-Fatawa by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله 24/253
Imam Ahmad رحمه الله says: I do not initiate the congratulation, but if someone congratulates me, I respond. Perhaps the reason is that responding to Salam is obligatory, while initiating congratulations is not a Sunnah that is commanded, nor is it prohibited.
Reference: Majmu' al-Fatawa 24/253
㉓ There is also no harm in shaking hands while congratulating.
ھذا ما عندی والله اعلم بالصواب
