Just the word ‘Eid’ brings a smile to the face of any Muslim during the last few days of Ramadan. Many of us have already started decorating our houses, ordering our Eid outfits and are waiting for that all-important text message about the arrival of this special day. However, putting on our best clothes and celebrating are not the only things we should do on Eid day. In today’s article we will look at some of the Sunnah acts to you should do on the day of Eid.
Make du’a on the night of Eid – The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘There are five nights on which du’a is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha`ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Nahr (al-Adha)’. (As-Suyuti)
Make Ghusl before the Eid Salah – As Muslims, cleanliness is a fundamental part of our religion. Ibn ’Abbas narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to have a bath on the day of Fitr’. [Ibn Majah] We are encouraged to do the same and, in doing so, we make sure that gatherings and family festivities are an enjoyable affair.
Eating before prayer – For Eid ul-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat some dates before the prayer so as not to extend the fast. Our Prophet (saw) did not set out on the day of Eid until he had eaten an odd number of dates, and we should follow his example.
Putting on Attar – Just as our Prophet Muhammad (saw) applied Attar (perfume) on Eid occasions, men are also encouraged to do the same, to create a pleasant aura in the masjid.
Takbeer – On the way to the masjid, Takbeer ul-Eid should be recited softly. The Eid Takbeer is:
‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd’
