CELEBRATING EID-UL-FITR: Manners And Purposes

In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful. To him belong all praises and adorations. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his household, his companions and every single one of us till the Day of Judgement. Ameen.

It is indeed obvious that the Holy month of Ramadan is about to end. May Allah see us through and not deny us the blessings therein. It is no news that the most anticipated event after Ramadan is Eid-ul-fitr.

Eid in its literal meaning refers to ‘celebration. Consequently, on that day, Muslims celebrate and spread happiness.
There are myriads of reasons people celebrate Eid-ul-fitr. It could be because it is a blessing from Allah, because it is a reward for keeping fast for a whole month, because it is Sunnah of the prophet (PBUH) or it could be because it is an occasion when Muslims express love for one another and spread joy all over the globe. However, besides the numerous reasons, there is a particular manner in which a Muslim must celebrate the Eid as derived from the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which include the following;

Give Zakat Of Fitr; one should not limit the happiness to oneself alone for eid is all about sharing ecstasy with others. If happiness to a Muslim (as given by Allah)is wearing good clothes, eating healthy food and being able to visit places on the occasions of joy, then Islam recommends that people who have (not necessarily people of high social status ) should give out on the day of Eid-ul-fitr in form of Zakat of fitr. It is the charity or almsgiving which a Muslim has to give out before prayer of Eid-ul-fitr as it is in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. Though, it can be given out towards the end of Ramadan, however, the recommended time is to offer it between fajr and Eid prayer. The giving of alms to the poor before the Eid prayer gives them the chance to celebrate the Eid in a like manner with the wealthy and fortunate people of the Ummah, in that no member of society is left behind in the celebrations irrespective of their social status. This is aimed at making sure the love and happiness go round.

Eat Before You Set Out For Eid Prayer; Eating before setting out for prayer on Eid day is a tradition of prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Having fasted for a whole month, the prophet recommends that we take breakfast on Eid day for it is not a day to fast but a day to eat and drink and share happiness.

Wear Nice Dresses; Every celebration requires preparations in general and dressing in particular. This also applies to Eid. Wearing a new dress on the day of Eid-ul-fitr is the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and it represents the measures Muslims must take as regards Eid. The dress should be worn after proper bath has been taken and once the dress is worn, it is recommended that one applies some perfume over the dress for it is one of the Sunnah of the prophet (PBUH). Thus, on the morning of Eid day, a Muslim must wear if not new but best of his clothes.

Go for prayer; [/b] The festival of Eid is special, thus, it also has special prayer. The offering of Eid prayer is compulsory, hence every Muslim (except female in a state of impurity) must make effort of offering the prayer with congregation. So, after wearing a dress, a Muslim must make sure he goes to Eid ground to offer the Eid prayer with congregation. Those Who cannot pray are advised to go to the Eid ground to listen the Khutbah (sermon).

Take Different Routes To Eid Ground; The celebration of Eid-ul-fitr is all about spreading the message of love and joy with greetings. As Muslims, we must take a leaf out of the life of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for he is the best example. As per his Sunnah, he would take one route towards the mosque for prayer and would come back through another route. This changing of routes ensures that a Muslim meets and greets people living on the side of both routes.

[b]Recite Takbeer; Allahu Akbar(2/3*) Laa Ilaha Illa Allah, Allahu Akbar(2/3*), Wa Lillah Il hamd.
It is mustahab to recite takbeer during the night of Eid from sunset on the last day of Ramadan. As we set out for the Eid ground, we should ensure we chant this as we move and even when we get there until the Imam comes to lead the prayer.

Apart from the above manners in which we are expected to celebrate Eid, we must be cautious of how we celebrate Eid on that day. We must not go to the extreme nor should we be too excessive in our celebrations. We must avoid celebrating with whatever is forbidden in Islam as well as refrain from Haram acts.Celebrating Eid in a forbidden manners is tantamount to demolishing our duplex of good deeds which we strove and toiled to build in the Holy Month. We must fear Allah in our conducts on this day for the Prophet S.A.W is reported to have said that "Whoever offends Allah on the day of Eid is like one who offends Allah on the day of judgement."

In conclusion, it is evident that Eid-ul-fitr is a Holy festival like other occasions and festivals in Islam. So, it needs to be observed with peace, love and respect. However, the best way to doing this is by following strictly the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with respect to the celebration of Eid and doing the same way he used to do on this day in words as well as in actions.
EID MUBARAK

Abdulrawzaq Yusuf B2K
Dpt. of Islamic and Common Law,
Faculty of Law,
Lagos State University, Ojo.

jazaakumllahu khaeran jaza