7 Sunnah Acts to Perform on Eid

Eid al Fitr is approaching! Smiles and happiness are brought to the hearts and faces of Muslims. It is a joy for completing the fast and being able to perform ibadat during the holy month. Every year, each Muslim family prepares for Eid differently by decorating the house or making a schedule to visit family and friends. This year, we are reminding you of the actions that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to make on the day of Eid, that we are encouraged to make to mimic his acts, get more rewards and hence earn higher levels in Jannah. The Prophet taught us many things to do whether through his words, or his actions, that Sahabah later narrated to us in different situations.

 

 

Here are some of the Sunnah acts that the Prophet (ﷺ) did on Eid:

1- Saying Takbeerat Al-Eid (Glorifying Allah)

A lovely signal announcing the beginning of Eid! It is recommended to start reciting Takbeerat from the time of sunset on the night of Eid, till the time of Eid prayer. It is a form of glorification and gratitude to Allah for helping us complete the “prescribed period”. And in this verse, there is a command to say the Takbeerat after completing the period of Ramadan, meaning on Eid al Fitr.

Allah said in the Quran:

وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ" (البقرة:185)"

“He wants you to complete the period (of Ramadan) and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you and perhaps you will be grateful” (Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 185)

You can make Takbeerat while preparing the house for the festivities of the Eid and baking the goods and sweets of the ceremony. You can also play it on record while dressing up to go to Eid prayer!

2- Sharing Joy and Happiness

Being happy for witnessing the day of Eid is a Sunnah from the Prophet (ﷺ) and sharing your joy and happiness is an action full of Ajer. Share joy with your loved ones, children, family and friends through different acts, like spending some quality time together, giving an amount of money for the kids (Eidiya), making a good meal for the family members, buying toys to children in unprivileged life conditions, or at least say a nice word that warms the hearts of listeners.

Take your children, companion, or even parents on a trip or a walkout for fun, and be generous with no squandering.

3- Performing Ghusl (Shower) and Wearing Perfume (exclusively for men)

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to take a bath (Ghusl) in preparation for Eid. To start fresh and clean, take a shower and perform wudu’ before Fajr prayer on this day, or before going to Eid prayer. Take your time to groom yourself, as it also has a special reward. Consider using Siwak (or brushing your teeth), cutting your nails, or even taking care of your skin. Men are encouraged to trim their facial hair as well.

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to wear perfume before going to Eid prayer, and this is a desirable act exclusively for men to do; yet a woman can wear makeup, perfume or wear her most beautiful clothes only next to her ‘Mahram’; and this does not reduce the joy of Eid for her.

4- Wearing the Best Clothes

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to wear his best clothes on the day of Eid. It is recommended to get new clothes for Eid and reveal the blessing that Allah granted you, even if it was a little piece of a shirt or a pair of socks!  If you did not get new clothes, wear something special that you do not wear often. Let it be something clean and classy. Make sure it is modest, loose and long to get rewarder Ajer.

*For some outfits inspirations, check our previous blog post '10 Outfits for Eid 2021' *

5- Eating before going to Eid prayer

To start the first day after a full month of fasting, it is Sunnah to break your fast with some food.

Have some dates: It is desirable to eat an odd number of dates before going out for the Eid prayer, as an act to thank Allah for completing the fasting in the month of Ramadan.

6- Attending Eid Prayer and Khotba

“It is Sunnah to go to Eid prayer walking” (At-Tirmidhi). Accompany your children, your parents or your friends and enjoy the road to the mosque.

It is desirable to go walking from a way and getting back from another: the path will be a witness for you that you went to prayer on that day.

The Prophet also recommended that women from all ages attend the prayer and khotba of the Eid!

7- Visiting family & friends and sending congratulations

The family gatherings and Allah’s remembrance bless our Eids (ceremonies)! ✨

With the restrictions that Covid-19 has imposed, it may be difficult to meet with the extended family. Yet it is not impossible to call them and send greetings. If it is safe, visit your kinship and elderly, and remember siblings who are travelling.

The Sahabah used to greet each other on the day of Eid by saying: “Taqabbal Allaahu Minnaa Wa Minka”, which means ‘May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you”. And what is better than greeting others in the form of supplication!

 

*This is the final call to pay Zakat Al Fitr before the Eid Prayer for people in need*

On the days of Eid, do not forget the poor who cannot celebrate, and remember them with any form of sadaqah; remember those who have passed away and those who are sick and make Dua’a for them. And finally, do not stop your Athkar and daily Quran chapters because your Ibadat were not limited to the holy month, yet they should continue all year long.