Ruling on Missing Eid Prayer
Question:Is it permissible for a Muslim to skip the Eid prayer without a valid excuse? Can women be prevented from performing Eid prayer with men?
Answer:
According to most scholars, Eid prayer is considered a communal obligation (Fard Kifaya). Some individuals may be excused from it, but attending and participating with other Muslim brothers is a strongly emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah). Skipping it without a valid reason is discouraged. Some scholars hold the view that the Eid prayer is an individual obligation (Fard ‘Ayn), similar to the Friday prayer, and thus, it is not permissible for any responsible, free, resident male to miss it. This opinion is more strongly supported by evidence.
For women, it is Sunnah to attend the Eid prayer while observing the requirements of modesty and avoiding perfume. As narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
"We were commanded to bring out the young women and menstruating women on the two Eids, so that they may witness goodness and the supplication of the Muslims. However, the menstruating women should remain away from the prayer area."
In another narration, a woman asked, "O Messenger of Allah! What if one of us does not have a cloak to wear outside?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "Her sister should lend her a cloak to wear."
This Hadith indicates that it is strongly recommended for women to attend the Eid prayer to benefit from the goodness and prayers of the Muslims.
Shaykh Ibn Baz, May Allah have mercy on him.
Ruling on Delaying Eid Prayer to the Next Day
Question:After the sighting of the Shawwal moon, is it permissible to delay the Eid prayer to the next day to allow all Muslim workers in factories and offices to secure a holiday?
Answer:
Eid prayer is a communal obligation (Fard Kifaya). When it is performed by enough people, the obligation is lifted from others. In Arab countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Islamic centers organize the Eid prayer upon the sighting of the moon. Thus, this prayer fulfills the communal obligation for those unable to attend. Delaying the Eid prayer to the second or third day to allow all Muslims, for example, in London, to join would not be permissible, as it contradicts the consensus of the Companions and their followers. However, if the Eid moon is sighted after sunset, then delaying to the next day may be permissible.
Zakat al-Fitr
Meaning of Zakat al-Fitr
The linguistic meaning of Zakat is "to grow" and "to purify." It is called Zakat because it purifies the one who gives it and increases their reward. Allah Almighty has said:"He has succeeded who purifies it."
[Surah Ash-Shams: 91:9]
In Islamic terminology, Zakat al-Fitr refers to the charity given to purify the body (also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr).
Evidence for the Obligation of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is established through the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus (Ijma’).Evidence from the Quran:
The general command for Zakat in the verse, "And establish Zakat" also encompasses Zakat al-Fitr. Furthermore, Allah says:
"He has succeeded who purifies himself."
[Surah Al-A’la: 87:14]
This verse is understood to refer specifically to Zakat al-Fitr.
Evidence from the Sunnah:
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) enjoined Zakat al-Fitr, a Sa’ of dates or barley, on every Muslim, slave or free, male or female, young or old. He ordered that it be given before people go out to the Eid prayer."
[Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
Consensus (Ijma’):
Scholars such as Ibn Munzir have conveyed the consensus of scholars on the obligation of Zakat al-Fitr.
Wisdom Behind Zakat al-Fitr
The purposes of Zakat al-Fitr include:➊ Obedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him).
➋ Gratitude to Allah for the blessing of completing the fast.
➌ Purification from idle and vain talk.
➍ Providing for the needy on Eid so they do not need to beg, allowing them to share in the joy of Eid.
Items Used for Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr should be given in the form of essential foods such as:- Wheat
- Barley
- Dates
- Dried yogurt
- Raisins
Giving Zakat al-Fitr as Cash
Giving cash instead of food items is not permissible, as this practice is unsupported by any evidence from the Prophet (peace be upon him) or his Companions.Required Quantity of Zakat al-Fitr
The obligated amount is a Sa’ (approximately 2.25 kilograms) as per the Prophet's (peace be upon him) measurement.Who Is Required to Give Zakat al-Fitr?
It is obligatory on every Muslim who has surplus wealth beyond their own and their family's basic needs for Eid day and night.Distribution of Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr should be distributed locally where the individual resides at the time of giving. This is because it relates to one’s person and should benefit those nearby.Conditions and Timing
- Ideal Time: From Fajr on the day of Eid until before the Eid prayer.
- Permissible Time: One or two days before Eid.