Eid is a day of joy, gratitude, and worship, marking the completion of Ramadan (Eid ul-Fitr) or the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Eid ul-Adha). Observing the Sunnahs of Eid ensures that we celebrate in the way taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), making the day spiritually fulfilling and beneficial.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Indeed, every nation has its festival, and this is our festival.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 952)
1. The Sunnahs of Eid Day
Following the Sunnah practices of Eid enhances the spiritual and communal experience of this blessed day.
A. Preparing for Eid Salah
1. Perform Ghusl (Bath) Before Eid Salah:
The Prophet (ﷺ) would perform Ghusl on the day of Eid.
(Ibn Majah, 1315)
2. Wear Your Best Clothes:
Wearing clean, modest, and presentable clothes is encouraged. Men should apply perfume and use Miswaak (tooth-stick).
3. Eat an Odd Number of Dates Before Eid Salah (Eid ul-Fitr Only):
Anas (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates, and he would eat an odd number of them.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 953)
Note: On Eid ul-Adha, it is Sunnah not to eat until after the Eid Salah.
4. Pay Sadaqatul Fitr Before Eid Salah (Eid ul-Fitr Only):
Sadaqatul Fitr is obligatory before Eid prayer, ensuring that the poor can also partake in Eid celebrations.
5. Recite the Takbeerat of Eid While Going to Salah:
The Prophet (ﷺ) and the Sahabah (RA) would recite the following on the way to the Eid Salah:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa Ilaaha Illa-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahi al-Hamd.”
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 5650)
6. Take One Route to Eid Salah & Return From Another Route:
Jabir (RA) reported:
“On the day of Eid, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to go by one route and return by another.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 986)
7. Greet One Another with Good Wishes:
The Companions (RA) would congratulate each other, saying:
“Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you).
(Fath al-Bari, 2:446)
2. How to Perform Eid Salah (According to Hanafi Fiqh)
Important Points About Eid Salah:
- Eid Salah consists of 2 Rak’ahs with extra Takbeers.
- It is performed in congregation and does not require an Adhan or Iqamah.
- The Eid Khutbah (sermon) is given after the prayer.
Step-by-Step Method to Perform Eid Salah (Hanafi Fiqh):
First Rak’ah:
- Make the intention: “I intend to perform two Rak’ahs of Eid Salah behind the Imam for the sake of Allah.”
- Follow the Imam and say Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”) to begin the prayer.
- Recite Thana quietly (“Subhanak-Allahumma wa bihamdika…”).
- Say three additional Takbeers:
- Raise hands for each Takbir.
- Lower hands after the first two.
- Fold hands after the third Takbir.
- Listen to the Imam recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah.
- Perform Ruku and Sujood as in normal Salah.
Second Rak’ah:
- Stand up with the Imam for the second Rak’ah.
- Listen to Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah.
- Before going to Ruku, say three Takbeers:
- Raise hands for each Takbir.
- Do not fold hands after the third Takbir.
- Go into Ruku after the fourth Takbir.
- Complete the Salah as normal with Tashahhud and Tasleem.
After Salah:
The Imam will deliver the Eid Khutbah. It is recommended to listen attentively, though it is not obligatory like the Jumu’ah Khutbah.
3. Additional Recommended Actions for Eid Day
- Spending Time with Family & Community:
Strengthen family ties and engage in acts of kindness. - Giving Charity & Helping the Needy:
Eid is a day of generosity. Giving gifts, helping the poor, and supporting the community are encouraged. - Maintaining Good Manners & Avoiding Sins:
Eid is a day of gratitude. Avoid arguments, wastefulness, or any acts displeasing to Allah.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Rejoice and spread joy on the day of Eid.”
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 5651)
Conclusion: A Day of Worship, Gratitude, and Joy
Eid is a blessed opportunity to express gratitude to Allah, strengthen relationships, and enjoy Halal festivities. By following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), we ensure that our Eid celebrations are filled with spirituality, sincerity, and happiness.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Say, in the bounty of Allah and in His mercy—in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”
(Surah Yunus 10:58)
Final Action Plan:
- Start Eid with a Sunnah-filled morning.
- Perform Eid Salah correctly.
- Celebrate with gratitude, generosity, and Halal joy.
- Spread kindness, love, and happiness.
May Allah grant us the ability to observe Eid according to the Sunnah and bless us with happiness, mercy, and success. Ameen.
