Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion for Muslims around the world. It is the auspicious celebration that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. On this blessed day, the believers thank Allah (SWT) for the opportunity to fast for the whole month. It is an expression of joy and gratefulness when everyone shares greetings, prayers and smiles. Eid-ul-Fitr is a gift of Allah (SWT) to Muslims for their steadfastness to the faith during Ramadan. Apart from the abundant reward for fasting, they are given an opportunity to celebrate their devotion with families and friends on the festive event of Eid.
Eid-ul-Fitr has a great significance in Islam. When asked about other festivals, the Prophet (SAW) said to the companions,
“Verily Allah has replaced them for you with something better than them: the day of (Eid) al-Adha and the day of (Eid) al-Fitr.” [Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood]
Facts About Eid-ul-Fitr
The day of Eid begins with the glorification of Allah (SWT) by saying Takbir, which is followed by Eid prayer and supplication in the congregation. This is in accordance with the manners of celebrating special occasions as defined in the following verse.
“All this is so that you may complete the number (of fasts as prescribed) and proclaim the Takbeer of Allah for having guided you, and (so) that you may be grateful.” [Al-Quran 2:185]
The believers are encouraged to take a shower, dress in their best clothes and use perfume before going out to pray. It is also a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) to delay the Eid prayer slightly and eat something or have breakfast before the prayer. After the special prayer and dua for the Ummah, there is an exchange of greetings between the congregation.
Sunnah of Eid-ul-Fitr
Like the blessed month of Ramadan, observing Eid-ul-Fitr is an act of worship. There are several rules and recommendations to be followed on the day of Eid. These stem from the example of the Prophet (SAW) and the distinguished companions. Some of the Sunnah acts for Eid-ul-Fitr are mentioned below.
1. Performing a ghusl or taking a bath before leaving the house for Eid prayer.
The believers should take a shower on the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to a report in al-Muwatta, Abdullah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on Eid-ul-Fitr before going out to the prayer place in the morning. (Al-Muwatta 428)
2. Eating something before going out to pray Eid Salah.
According to a narration by al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used not to go out on the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. [Bukhari, 953]
3. Reciting Takbeer is one of the greatest Sunnah of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The companions and the Muslims of early generations used to recite Takbeer when leaving homes until they reached the prayer place, and the Imam came out to lead the congregation.
4. Exchanging good wishes.
The companions used to congratulate each other on the completion of fasting and Ramadan prayers on Eid day. According to a narration:
“When the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.”
5. Dressing up and trying to look your best is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and his closest followers.
According to a narration:
“The Prophet (SAW) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays.”
[Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1756]
Similarly, the companions used to wear their best clothes, which emphasises the importance of adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.
6. Taking a different route to come back from the prayer place is also one of the Eid-ul-Fitr Sunnah acts.
A noteworthy companion, Jabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated:
“On the day of Eid, the Prophet (SAW) used to vary his route.” [Bukhari 986]
7. Paying Zakat-al-Fitr before the beginning of Eid prayer.
Paying Zakat-ul-Fitr is obligatory for all Muslims and, according to the teachings of the Prophet (SAW), must be given to deserving people before the start of the Eid prayer. Delegating someone else or a charitable organisation to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr on your behalf is also permissible, as long as it is given at the right time.
Dua for Eid-ul-Fitr
As mentioned above, the companions used to give each other the following dua when they met each other on the day of Eid.
“Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum”.
“May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.”
Other recommended words to be said on the day of Eid are the words of Takbeer or the glorification of Allah (SWT). The following words are narrated by the companions:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allah Akbar, wa Lillah il-hamd.”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah be all praise).
When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 in the UK?
The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 is dependent on moonsighting. As Ramadan is estimated to start around 10 or 11 March, Eid-ul-Fitr might fall near 10 April 2024, subject to the visibility of the new moon.
In the UK, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with traditional enthusiasm. Different communities and cultures come together to make the occasion exciting and vibrant. People invite families and friends to share a hearty meal while children receive gifts and Eid money. On this festive occasion, it is important to remember the less fortunate who do not have the means to celebrate Eid like other Muslims. Through your generous donations, you can give a little gift of joy to the most vulnerable this Eid. Donate your Zakat-ul-Fitr to Charity Meals and share your happiness with those in desperate need of help.
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