How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

Question

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen · Accepted Answer

Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen · Answer

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explained that the Eids are the primary festivals for Muslims, ordained by Allah as days of joy and worship. The celebration should adhere to the practices (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The key acts of worship and celebration include:

1.  **Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath):** It is recommended to bathe before going out for the Eid prayer.

2.  **Eating:** For Eid al-Fitr, it is a confirmed Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the prayer. For Eid al-Adha, the Sunnah is to refrain from eating until after the prayer, and then to eat from the meat of the sacrificial animal (udhiyah).

3.  **Takbir (Glorifying Allah):** It is a significant Sunnah to recite the takbirat. For Eid al-Fitr, the time for this begins on the night of Eid (after sunset on the last day of Ramadan) and ends when the Imam comes out to lead the prayer. For Eid al-Adha, the takbir begins on the morning of the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) and continues until the end of the Days of Tashreeq (the 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

4.  **Beautification:** Men should wear their best clothes and apply perfume, without being extravagant. Women may also wear nice, modest clothing but should avoid perfume and adornment that attracts attention when going out to the prayer ground.

5.  **The Eid Prayer:** The central act of Eid is the two-rak‘ah prayer, which is best performed in an open area (musalla) rather than the mosque, as was the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ). All Muslims, including men, women, and children, are encouraged to attend.

6.  **Changing Routes:** It is recommended to go to the prayer by one route and return by another.

7.  **Offering Congratulations:** Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) would congratulate each other with phrases like "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept [the worship] from us and from you). Visiting relatives and enjoying permissible food and drink are also parts of the Eid celebration, ensuring all activities remain within the bounds of Islamic law.

Manners & Adab

How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

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