By Shaykh Mazhar Mahmood
Alhamdulillāh (Praise to the Almighty), after a long month of fasting, in which Muslims sacrifice their lawful desires from dawn to dusk, They will be celebrating a noble and festive day. This is the day of ʿEīd, a day in which the words and sentiments of enjoyment, happiness, and celebration prevail.
The day of ʿEīd marks the end of Ramaḍān and is a festival of great celebration. In fact, some countries around the world take ʿEīd as a public holiday.
Adhering to the guidelines that Allāh’s Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) and his Companions presented to us whilst they celebrated ʿEīd day will surely keep our ʿEīd productive and full of enjoyment.
Below are some tips from the pristine lifestyle of Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) and his Companions to aid us in making the most out of the day of ʿEīd.
Express the Spirit
Expressing the holiday spirit, joy, and comfort on the day of ʿEīd is a must for every Muslim. It is the day which Allāh Almighty has reserved for us as a reward in lieu for the long days of fasting, worship, and sacrifice we committed to in the month of Ramaḍān. We learn from the life of Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him), that he would enjoy the celebrations the day of ʿEīd would have to offer to their fullest!
‘Ā’ishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) has reported: “Allāh’s Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) entered my room on the day of ʿEīd, while two young girls were rendering eloquent verses of poetry (nashīd). The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) laid on his bed and turned his face to one side. Soon after, my father Abū-Bakr (may Allāh be pleased with him) entered my room and exclaimed, “Why are they singing with the flutes of the devil (referring to their voices) in the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him).” He repeated the same statement three times. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said, “O Abū-Bakr! leave them alone, for every nation has a celebration and today is our’s.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim)
It is evident from the above mentioned narration, that all types of permissible entertainment are encouraged for one and all to enjoy on this auspicious day. This is shown to us by the practice of none other than Allāh’s final Messenger (peace and blessings upon him).
Takbīr (Hymning the praises of Allāh)
Recite the Takbīr in a low voice while going to the ʿEīd prayer. Allāh Almighty says in the Qur’ān:
“And glorify Allāh for guiding you so you could express your appreciation.” [Qur’ān 1:185]
The words of the Takbīr are:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha Ilallāh, Allāhu Akbar Wa lillāhil Ḥamd.
Translation: Allāh is the Greatest, He is the Greatest. There is no God except Allāh. He is the Greatest. All praises are due to Allāh.
Zakāh al-Fitr (Mandatoty Charity Before the Completion of Ramaḍān):
Please refer to the following link for details: Ṣadaqat-Al-Fiṭr (Charity Due Prior to the Completion of Ramaḍān)
Bathe/ Beautify Yourself
It is mustaḥab (recommended) to take a bath in accordance to the sunnah [prophetic] method of ghusl (Islamic bath), anoint the body with beautiful fragrances, and dress well on the blessed day of ʿEīd.
It is narrated on the authority of Nāfiʾ, that Ibn ʿOmar (may Allāh be pleased with him) would adorn himself with the best attire on the day of ʿEīd, wear the best of perfumes available to him, then set out for the ʿEīd prayer. (Itḥāf Al-Khayrah)
Share ʿEīd Greetings
Greeting family, friends, and the general public with heart warming ʿEīd greetings. This beautiful practice will not only be a means of uniting our communities, but will also mend broken ties and increase love in the hearts of one another due to the good nature it possesses.
It is reported on the authority of Jubayr ibn Nufayr (may Allāh’s mercy be upon him), “The Companions of the Prophet would greet each other on the day of ‘Eid by saying: Taqabbal lāhū Minnā Wa Mink (May Allāh accept all forms of goodness from you and I). (Fatḥ Al-Bārī)
Gifts
This practice will undoubtedly increase feelings of kindness and compassion in our hearts for one another.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said, “Exchange gifts, and you will grow in love of one another.”
Let us make this ʿEīd a most memorable one for us, our families, and friends. Do something special on the day of ʿEīd which you will treasure for the rest of your life.
May the mercy and blessings of Allāh be with you, your family and friends during the blessed day of ʿEīd, and may Allāh unite us all in Jannah with our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) and his Companions. Āmīn!
