The Etiquettes of Eid
The month of Ramadan is almost over and soon we will be yearning again for this blessed month to return. The festival of Eid is one of two in the Islamic calendar which are marked as times of celebration.
We have the added benefit insh’Allah that unlike last year, we have eased lockdown restrictions, along us to spend more quality time with our loved ones.
As with all things relating to our deen, this day also marks an opportunity to gain immense blessing and reward from Allah SWT. We can achieve this by adhering to the manners that we have been taught for this occasion by Allah SWT and through his Messenger SAWS.
And so, today’s reminder lists these so that we can make the most of the blessed day.
Firstly, it goes without saying that we do not fast on the day of Eid. Abu Ubaid narrated. Umar Bin Al-Khattab addressed the people saying: “O people! Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) has forbidden you to fast (on the first day of) each of these two ‘Ida, for one of them is the Day of breaking your fast, and the other is the one, on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices.”
Second is to do lots of Takbeer. The imam reminded us of Sura Al-Baqarah, ayat 185 in which Allah SWT said:
And to Glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; perhaps you will be grateful.
For those who don’t know the takbir. It is:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La illaha il Allah, Alahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa-lillaahil-hamd.
And translated this is: Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, There is no God but Allah, Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, And all praise be to Allah.
The next is to match the appearance to the occasion. Brothers, this is the day to put in the effort. Wear your best clothes, new if possible, put on a nice fragrance the wife is always buying for you and look like you are celebrating the day. This is that day when you can be a little extravagant with your attire because this is the day of celebration, the appearance is not just for the children and the ladies, we must also play our part.
Fourthly, it is to eat something before you leave for prayer. The Prophet SAWS used to eat an odd number of dates before he left for the Eid prayer and we can earn the reward of following this sunnah by doing the same.
And finally, it is the journey to the masjid. Aim to come from one route and return home from a different route as this is also a sunnah but alongside this, greet one another with affection and warmth – muslim or otherwise along the way. This is both a sunnah and a sadaqa so earn the blessing again from performing the simplest of acts.
Dear brothers, we have strived hard this year in the month of Ramadan. Lets use this opportunity to celebrate our achievement and make the most of the day. The best way to earn the reward of the month of Ramadan is to continue with our good deeds from this month, to continue avoiding the bad deeds we left behind in this month and to avoid temptation that will no doubt resume after this month is over.
May Allah SWT accept our efforts in this blessed month of Ramadan. May Allah SWT accept our efforts on the day of Eid and may Allah SWT help us keep our good habits going after the month is over.
