By Imam Murtadha Gusau
Monday, Ramadan 29, 1445 AH (08/04/2024)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation, may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, Eid is a time of joy, happiness, gratitude, and togetherness for Muslims around the world. It is an occasion to celebrate the successful completion of Ramadan or Hajj, depending on whether it is Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Adha. To truly appreciate the beauty of Eid, it is essential to understand and follow the Sunnah, or the traditions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), on this special day. In this piece, I will explore the Sunnah of Eid day and discuss their significance In Shaa Allah.
Celebrating Eid in Islam is not just a festive occasion but a blend of spiritual rituals and social etiquettes that reflect the profound essence of Islamic teachings. Here’s a concise overview of the Sunnah acts and etiquettes for Eid:
Dear servants of Allah! One of the first Sunnah of Eid day is to perform ghusl, a full-body ritual bath, before leaving for the Eid prayer. This act of purification signifies physical and spiritual cleanliness as Muslims gather to offer their gratitude and prayers to Allah.
On Eid day, it is a Sunnah to wear the best clothes one possesses, or even to purchase new clothes for the occasion. This practice symbolises respect and honour for the day and is a way to exhibit gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings.
For Eid-ul-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates or something sweet before leaving for the Eid prayer. This act breaks the fast and marks the end of Ramadan, signifying that Muslims are no longer fasting and can now enjoy the festive celebration.
The recitation of takbir is an essential Sunnah on Eid day. Muslims should recite the takbir: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil Hamd, while leaving their homes for the Eid prayer and until the prayer begins. The takbir is a proclamation of Allah’s greatness and a way to glorify Him for the successful completion of Ramadan or Hajj.
Taking Different Routes to and from the Prayer Ground. The Sunnah of taking different routes to and from the prayer ground encapsulates multiple intentions, from displaying Islamic symbols to fulfilling social and familial obligations. This enriches the Eid experience, embedding it with deeper spiritual and communal dimensions.
The Eid prayer is a significant part of the Eid celebration. It is an opportunity for the entire Muslim Ummah to come together in unity and thankfulness. Muslims should attend the prayer, including women, children, and the elderly, to foster a sense of community and togetherness.
And it is recommended to walk to the Eid prayer, if possible, as this was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Walking to the prayer symbolises humility and submission to Allah.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims should greet one another with the traditional greeting: Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum, meaning: May Allah accept (our good deeds) from us and you. This greeting fosters a sense of unity and love among the Ummah and reminds Muslims of their shared faith and devotion.
Eid is a joyous occasion that brings Muslims together in celebration and gratitude. By reviving and practicing the Sunnah of Eid day, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Muslims can strengthen their faith, enhance the spirit of unity, and experience the true essence of this blessed day.
Observing these Sunnah acts and etiquettes during Eid not only enhances the spiritual and communal aspects of the celebration but also aligns the festivities with the teachings of Islam. Eid is a time for Muslims to express gratitude, reflect on their faith, and rejoice in the unity and blessings of their community, guided by the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Please try to give happiness to a needy child on Eid by sending them an Eid gift.
Respected brothers and sisters! What we about to celebrate is Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” it is a significant Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the noble month of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and engage in increased spiritual reflection, prayer and acts of charity. But why and how do Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr?
My great people! Eid-ul-Fitr is a three-day festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, upon the sighting and announcement of the new moon by a Muslim leader (Sultan in Nigeria’s case).
Eid-ul-Fitr is significant in Islam as it marks the end of the month-long spiritual journey Muslims take during Ramadan. Ramadan is the noble month when Muslims purify their souls and strengthen their faith in Allah Almighty. Thus, the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr then marks the completion of this spiritual journey.
Therefore, we celebrate this Eid as a way of expressing gratitude to Allah for giving us the opportunity to fast during Ramadan, seek forgiveness in it and earn numerous blessings from it. This is what makes the festival a time of joy, happiness, celebration and community.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of joy, happiness and celebration. A time when Muslims gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, share food and engage in other festivities.
Some of the common traditions associated with the blessed day of Eid include:
- Eid prayer – Muslims gather in large congregations in Mosques or open spaces to perform the Eid prayer, which is a special prayer consisting of two units (raka’ahs).
- Giving gifts – Muslims exchange gifts with family and friends, especially children, as a way of expressing love and gratitude.
- Sharing food – Muslims prepare and share feasts with family and friends, often featuring traditional dishes and sweets.
- Dressing one’s best – Muslims dress up in their best clothes, often traditional clothing, to mark the special occasion.
- Visiting loved ones – Muslims visit relatives, friends, and neighbours to exchange greetings and share food and sweets.
- Paying Zakatul Fitr – Zakatul Fitr is a form of charity that Muslims are obligated to give before Eid-ul-Fitr. This way, we can ensure the poor and needy of our Ummah around the world can also enjoy the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr with loved ones.
Zakatul Fitr is mandatory for every adult Muslim with wealth beyond their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. It is also recommended for the head of the household to give on behalf of all dependents, including children, elderly parents, and servants.
The amount of Zakatul Fitr is typically equivalent to one Sa’i (approximately 2.5 or 3 kg) of food per person. It can be given in the form of food, such as wheat, barley, dates, raisins, rice, corn etc. Some Islamic scholars said you can also give money equivalent to the value of these food items.
By the Grace of Allah Almighty, at our Islamic Center, your Zakatul Fitr is connected to thousands of communities, granting families and children the means to enjoy their Eid-ul-Fitr free from hardship. By giving your Zakatul Fitr through our Islamic Center, you can help make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need, on Eid and in the future to come.
Dear brothers and sisters! All in all, Eid-ul-Fitr is an important festival in the Islamic calendar that marks the end of the noble month of Ramadan. It celebrates the completion of our month-long spiritual journey during the month of fasting. It is a time of joy, happiness and community. When Muslims express gratitude to Allah Almighty and come together with family and friends.
Regardless of when or where you are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, may the blessed festival be one of happiness, peace, unity and immense blessings for you and your loved ones. May Allah accept good deeds from us and from you.
And try to multiply your rewards from Allah Almighty this Eid. Give the gift of happiness and hope to our brothers and sisters in need with our Islamic Center.
Lastly, today Monday, 08th April 2024 is the 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH, and hence the first day to look for the crescent of Shawwal 1445 AH.
In line with the Prophetic guidelines, the National Moon Sighting Committee in Nigeria (NMSC), under the Nigeria Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs, under the able leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, hereby requests that you kindly look for the month of Shawwal 1445 AH crescent, and forward to them your observations whether positive or negative. They requested that in your report, you kindly indicate your full name, approximate time of observation and location (exact town or city please, and not LGA or State).
Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
This piece was sent to you by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.