Etiquettes of Eid

 

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Every nation has its festival, and this is your festival.” Here, he referred to the fact that these two Eids are exclusively for the Muslims.

The Muslims have no festivals apart from Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah came to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals.

On those two days, they had carnivals and festivity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) asked the Ansar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it.

They replied that before Islam, they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told them, “Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.” (Abu Dawud)

These two Eids are among the signs of Allah, to which we must show consideration and understand their objectives. Below, we will elaborate the rulings and etiquette of Eid.

Rulings of Eid

1- Fasting: It is haram to fast on the days of Eid because of the hadith of Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) in which he said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha. (Muslim)

2- Offering Eid Prayers: Some of the scholars say that Eid Prayers are obligatory – this is the view of the Hanafi scholars and of Ibn Taymiyyah. Some scholars say that Eid Prayer is Fard Kifayah (a communal duty, binding on the Muslims as a group, and it is fulfilled if a sufficient number of people perform it, thereby absolving the rest of sin). This is the view of the Hanbalis. A third group says that Eid Prayer is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (confirmed sunnah). This is the view of the Malikis and Shafi`is.

3- Offering Supererogatory Prayers: There are no Supererogatory Prayers to be offered either before or after the Eid Prayer, as Ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to come out on the day of Eid and pray two rak`ahs, with nothing before or after them. This is the case if the Prayer is offered in an open area. If, however, the people pray the Eid Prayer in a mosque, then they should pray two rak`ahs for Tahiyat Al-Masjid.

4- Women attending the Eid Prayers: According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), everyone is urged to attend Eid Prayer, and to co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety. The menstruating woman should not forsake the remembrance of Allah or places of goodness such as gatherings for the purpose of seeking knowledge and remembering Allah – apart from mosques. Women, undoubtedly, should not go out without the Hijab.

Etiquettes of Eid

1- Ghusl (taking a bath): One of the good manners of Eid is to take a bath before going out to the Prayer. It was reported that Sa`id ibn Jubayr said: “Three things are Sunnah on Eid: to walk (to the prayer-place), to take a bath, and to eat before coming out (if it’s Eid al-Fitr).”

2- Eating before coming out: One should not come out to the prayer-place on Eid al-Fitr before eating some dates, because of the hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari from Anas ibn Malik who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would not go out in the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… and he would eat an odd number.” On Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, it is recommended not to eat until after the Prayer, when one should eat from the meat of one’s sacrifice.

3- Takbir on the day of Eid: This is one of the greatest Sunnahs of this day. Al-Daraqutni and others reported that when Ibn `Umar came out on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, he would strive hard in making Takbir until he reached the prayer-place, then he would continue making Takbir until the Imam came.

4- Congratulating one another: People may exchange congratulations and good greetings on Eid, no matter what form the words take. For example, they may say to one another, “Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allah accept, from us and from you, our good deeds!)”.

Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: “At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when people met one another on the day of Eid, they would say, ‘Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minka.’” (Ibn Hajar)

5- Wearing one’s best clothes for Eid: Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a Jubbah (cloak) that he would wear on Eid and on Fridays.” Al-Bayhaqi reported that Ibn `Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid, so men should wear the best clothes they have when they go out for Eid.

6- Changing route on returning from Prayer-place: Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to change his routes on the day of Eid. (Al-Bukhari)

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: Excerpted, with slight modifications, from, www.islamqa.info

About Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid

ًA well-known Saudi lecturer and author

What Should Your Kids Know about Eid Al-Fitr

 

Soon it’s time for Eid celebrations, and our kids might be enjoying the festivities without knowing what’s going on.

In this infograph, we have the basic information your kids should learn about Eid al-Fitr.

- aboutislam.net

The Hand That Gives: Etiquette of Zakat and Sadaqa

 

The Quran and hadith offer Prophetic guidance regarding the disbursal of our charity and zakat in person, not by proxy.

This enables us to better understand the people we’re helping, know how the money is being put to use, and offer more than just cash.

It’s important to have conversations with those we’re aiming to help, for us to learn more about their condition.

What They Really Need

When we speak with those in need of our support, we learn about their lives and struggles.

Through, a two-minute conversation with a stranger, I often uncovered other less superficial ways to assist.

Perhaps they’re having a hard time with some paperwork or documentation.

Maybe they need a ride to an important health or court appointment.

Perhaps they need a new pair of glasses, bedding, diapers, or clothes for their child, or any other item that is within our budget and means to give.

I was once homeless for a short stretch. When I finally moved into my new apartment with the help of a local homelessness relocation program, I owned next to nothing.

I brought with me a laptop, a few suitcases of personal items, and an inflatable air mattress.

I moved in the winter, so it was crucial that I get some type of home put together for my children and I fast.

However, not a single soul stepped forward to offer me cash.

Instead, they followed Quranic guidance and offered me dishes, cutlery, bedding, used clothing, children’s books, toys, and even some pantry staples.

These ready-to-use items were perfect. I was unable to drive around town and hunt down affordable items.

I had too many other pressing issues like prenatal, and court appointments, demanding my time.

In that moment, their charity was in their gifted belongings, which I accepted with humbled gratitude.

I also have a friend who is a beautician and a hairstylist. She’s trained in more than one discipline and also on various continents.

A Real-Life Story

She’s also known for hardship – which makes her very attuned to others in need.

Recently, she set out to offer free haircuts on weekends to homeless men and women in a downtown park.

Her aim was only to make their lives a little cleaner, fresher, and easier by offering what she could of herself and her expertise to these men and women in need.

However, what she soon discovered, after talking to them throughout their haircuts, is that they needed much more than just one-time grooming.

They needed socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, Tylenol, and other toiletries.

She used social media and word of mouth to reach out to others in her circle. She pooled her personal resources along with donations from family and friends.

Together, they put together dozens of well-stocked kits.

When she went back the next time for her usual weekend haircut, she came bearing simple gifts: gifts that were both appropriate and well received.

She took the time to get to know those she was aiming to help.

She learned the depth of their struggles and all the other ways that she, and her friends, could give.

What the Prophet (Pbuh) Did

What she did was guided by her faith, because we have a very similar example from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Our Prophet did not condone or encourage beggary as a routine source of income.

However, we are not, as Muslims, supposed to be harsh with beggars either.

As Muslims, our aim is to gently discourage begging and assist others in becoming self-sufficient instead.

In one narration, a man approached Prophet Muhammad begging for money. Prophet Mohammed asked the beggar to instead bring him the belongings that he kept at home.

The man brought back a cloth and a cup. Next the Prophet Mohammed auctioned off the belongings amongst his companions and earned two durham (more than double what the items were probably worth).

He told the man to keep half of the money for his home and family expenses and spend the other half on an axe head.

When the man returned, Prophet Muhammad fashioned the axe head to the handle himself.

He told the man to go cut wood with the axe to sell at the local market and not come back for two weeks.

The man did as he was told. When he returned later, he had earned 10 durhams, and used the money to buy a new blanket and food.

He was also well on his way to earning halal income and achieving financial independence. [Hadith source: Sunan Abu Dawud 1641]

This story teaches a valuable lesson. Except for the rare cases where people are in severe poverty, severe debt, or are too sick or injured to work, we all need a hand up instead of a handout.

When we’re stuck in poverty, it becomes very difficult to see the way out.

Researchers have even observed that poverty changes us in fundamental ways that make it next to impossible to think clearly, resulting in a circular cycle of defeats.

Those outside that spiral can offer valuable advice in the form of guidance, training, and volunteered time – directing the needy out of their poverty and problems.

Prophet Muhammad made a proud man out of a beggar.

He showed him how to cut wood and earn halal stable income for his family expenses instead of begging hand to mouth every day.

As you set out to give for charity and zakat, consider making an extra effort to get to know those you’re helping on a personal level.

Reach out to families directly. Get to know their stories.

Connect them with other people and services. Get them job training, pro-bono legal, medical, and dental work, or just listen to their stories.

Perhaps a listening ear is all they really want and need.

Often, we prefer to hand over a few bucks and look the other way, thinking we’ve done enough.

Instead, the best help is often a hard lift up over the wall of defeat.

- aboutislam.net

About Janet Kozak

Janet Kozak is a content strategist who helps businesses grow their brand with creative copywriting and content marketing. When she’s not writing and designing, you can find her indulging in masala fries or elbow deep in scraps of paper creating her one-of-a-kind art collages. Meet Janet and get ready to grow your business at http://janetkozak.com/

Eating in the morning (Sahoor) before starting the fast during the Ramadan month

 

Nowadays, even the woman folks have the sahoor in the morning at a Mosque

Eat early morning before we start our fasting either in Ramadan or other day, is called suhoor.

1. Hadith : It was narrated that Anas Ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1923; Muslim, 1095.
2. It was narrated from Jaabir that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever wants to fast, let him eat something for suhoor.” Narrated by Ahmad, 14533; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2309.
3. These blessings include the following:

1 – It gives strength for worship and helps one to obey Allah during the day by praying, reading Qur’aan and remembering Allah (dhikr). One who is hungry may become lazy in worship just as he may become lazy in his daily work, this is something that is well known.

2 – Suhoor wards off the bad attitude that may be provoked by hunger, so the one who eats suhoor will be in a good mood and will interact well with others.

3 – The one who eats suhoor will be encouraged to fast more, because fasting is less difficult for the one who eats suhoor, so he will be encouraged to fast and it will not be so difficult for him.

4 – Eating suhoor is following the Sunnah, so if the person who eats suhoor has the intention of obeying the command of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and following his example, then his suhoor is an act of worship, so he will be rewarded for it accordingly. If he intends thereby to gain physical strength for fasting and praying qiyaam, he will be rewarded according to that.

5 – The person who eats suhoor gets up at the end of the night to remember Allah, make du’aa’ and pray, for that is when prayers are answered and it is the time when Allah and angels send blessings upon those who eat suhoor, because of the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) which will be quoted below.

6 – By eating suhoor one differs from the people of the Book. The Muslim is required to avoid imitating them. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book is eating suhoor.”

7 – Another blessing of suhoor is praying Fajr in congregation, at the proper time. Hence you see that there are more worshippers praying Fajr in Ramadaan than in other months, because they have gotten up for suhoor.

How Much Is Zakat Al-Fitr?

 

It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Umar said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordained Zakat Al-Fitr; sa` (about four handfuls) of dates or sa` or barley for Muslims; the free and the slave, male and female, young or old. And he ordered that it should be paid before going out for prayer (meaning `Eid Prayer).” (Al-Bukhari)

If I understand your question correctly, you want to give out grain instead of cash to the poor in Zakat Al-Fitr, and you wish to know how much grain to give.

The answer is: it is stated as one sa`, and one sa` is four handfuls; it is estimated to be approximately two and a half kilograms.

However, it is best to give cash instead of grain if people cannot readily make use of grain as is the case in the urban centers.

Zakat Fitrah Payment Schedule for Each Malaysian State for Year 2025/1446 Hijrah

State	Year 2025 (latest)	Year 2024
Perlis	RM9	RM7 / RM10
Kedah	RM7 / RM14	RM7 / RM14.50 / RM22
Pulau Pinang	RM7 / RM10 / RM15 / RM25	RM7 / RM14 / RM21
Perak	RM10/ RM16 / RM27	RM8 / RM16 / RM24
Selangor	RM7 / RM15 / RM22	RM7 / RM14 / RM21
Negeri Sembilan	RM7.50 / RM12 / RM22	RM7 / RM12.50 / RM22
Melaka	RM7 / RM15 / RM22	RM7 / RM14 / RM21
Johor	RM7 / RM12 / RM20	RM7 / RM12 / RM20
Pahang	RM7 / RM14 / RM21	RM7 / RM14 / RM21
Terengganu	RM10 / RM21	RM10 / RM22
Kelantan	RM8 / RM14 / RM21	RM7 / RM14 / RM21
Sarawak	RM7.50	RM7.50
Sabah	RM7.50	RM7.50
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Putrajaya Labuan

Allah Almighty knows best.

Acts of Worship on Laylat Al-Qadr

During Laylat al-Qadr, every Muslim should do the following:

Praying Qiyam

It is recommended to make a long Qiyam prayer during the nights on which Laylat al-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadiths, such as the following:

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) relates: “We fasted with Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in Ramadan. He did not lead us in Qiyam (Night Vigil Prayer) at all until there were seven nights of Ramadan left. Then he stood with us (that night, in Prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, ‘Allah’s Messenger! Wouldn’t you pray with us the whole night?’ He replied: ‘Whoever stands in Prayer with Imam until he (the Imam) concludes the Prayer, it will be recorded for him that he prayed the whole night…” (Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

Abu Dawud mentioned: “I heard Ahmad being asked, ‘Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?’ He replied, ‘Pray with the people’ I also heard him say, ‘I would prefer for one to pray Qiyam with Imam and to pray Witr with him as well, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When a man prays with the Imam until he concludes, he’ll earn the reward of praying the rest of that night.”

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever stands (in Qiyam) in Laylat al-Qadr (and it is facilitated for him) out of faith and expectation of Allah’s reward, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”  (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The phrase “and it is facilitated for him”, according to the version narrated by Ahmad, on the authority of Ubadah Ibn As-Samit, means that a person is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.

Making Supplications

It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that she asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say: “Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee (O Allah! You are Oft-Forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me).” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmithi)

Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship

It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat al-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah. This is based on the following Hadith narrated by Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): “Upon entering into the last ten (of Ramadan), the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would tighten his Izar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in Prayer), and wake up his family.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

She also said: “Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to exert more efforts (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights.” (Muslim)

Allah Almighty knows best.

- aboutislam.net

Making Itikaf in Laylatul Qadr

 

What is I’tikaf? What is the status when offered during the last days of Ramadan? In this video, Mufti Menk discusses the act of making I’tikaf while searching for Laylatul Qadr, in line with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), and how to maximize rewards in it, earning Allah’s blessings. - aboutislam.net

Can Women Do Itikaf in the Masjid?

In the last third of Ramadan, a Muslim is recommended to increase his worship and devotion so as to bring himself nearer to Allah; he should make use of the last chance of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Here, we recall the اadith narrated by Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in which she said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe itikaf during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan and he continued this practice until his death. After him his wives carried on this practice of observing itikaf regularly.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Itikaf is recommended by the Sunnah for both men and women. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed itikaf himself and so did his wives during his life and after his death.

Accordingly, there is nothing wrong if women perform itikaf in the mosque provided that this will not cause any negligence to the rights of their husbands or that of their children.

However, scholars of Al-Hanafiyyah and Al-Malikiyyah are of the opinion that women can perform itikaf in their homes where they are accustomed to performing prayer.

Allah Almighty knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. `Abdul-Fattah `Ashoor

Professor of the Exegesis of the Qur'an at Al-Azhar University

Why is Laylat Al-Qadr So Special to Muslims

 

The expression Laylat Al-Qadr actually means “The Night of Power” or “The Night of Decree”.

The Blessings of this Night

This was the night on which the Quran started being revealed (over a time span of 23 years) from God the Almighty to His messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Allah says what means:

{Verily! We have sent it [the Quran] down on the Night of Decree (Laylat Al-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the ruh [Gabriel] by Allah’s Permission with all decrees. Peace […] until the break of dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97:1-7)

Ibn Kathir, a famous scholar who wrote one of the most famous interpretations of Quran commented on the phrase: (Therein descend the angels and the ruh):

This means that the descending of the angels increases during this night, due to the vast amount of its blessings. And, the angels descend along with the descent of blessing and mercy, just as they descend during the time when the Quran is recited.

They encompass the gatherings in which Allah is remembered and spread their wings for the true seeker of knowledge, showing respect for him.

This night occurs only in Ramadan, since the Quran was revealed in it:

{Verily, We have sent it [the Quran] down in the night of al-Qadr.}

This means that its revelation from Allah to His prophet, Muhammad, began during that month.

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Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month], which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. (Ahmad, An-Nasa’i and Al-Bayhaqi)

 So, one who would miss Laylat Al-Qadr, is a very unfortunate person indeed! 

This is how and why the Night of Power should become so special for worshipers, who strive hard to meet its blessings.

Abu Hurairah reported that the messenger of Allah said:

Whoever stands in night prayer on Laylat Al-Qadr out of solely his true faith (iman) and seeks the divine reward, then his previous sins are forgiven. (Al-Bukhari)

Every sincere believer is eager to stand in prayer during the Night of Power, aspiring the forgiveness of sins, as well as a great reward from Allah; because no one wants to miss a great deal of blessing by missing this night.

The hadiths quoted above are evidence for the virtue of the night of Al-Qadr, as well as of performing Qiyam Al-Layl (night vigil prayer) during it.

It is also clearly indicated that Allah has honored this night and made it better than a thousand months, which is equivalent to eighty-three years and four months!

The Night Vigil Prayer

For this reason, whoever performs Qiyam Al-Layl (night vigil prayer), with true faith, while seeking reward in it, will be forgiven.

So, we should give attention to our participation in the long prayers–whether conducted in mosques or privately at home–during the nights on which Laylat Al-Qadr could fall.

Concerning praying in congregation, the Prophet Muhammad has said:

Whoever stands in prayer with the imam (the prayer leader) until he (the imam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night […] (Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, as it was reported by Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), that the Prophet recommended a specific a specific supplication on this night:

Allahumma innaka `affuwwun, tuhibbul `afwa, fa`fu `annee : O Allah, You are the One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.

Spiritual Seclusion

Also, one form of worship, especially during Ramadan is i`tikaf.

The essence of this ritual is to devote oneself to the Almighty by praying, reading the Quran, etc. in the mosque for a chosen period of time that can extend from one hour to the last ten days of Ramadan. (Editor’s note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic itikaf can be performed at home)

It is optional and carries great reward. Muslims can undertake it at any point during the year as a sign of devoting oneself to worship for a set time. It is worth mentioning here that in Islam, monasticism is forbidden.

As for the endeavor of i`tikaf, it is recommended in the noble month of Ramadan, as mentioned. The maximum duration of i`tikaf is from the 19th of Ramadan, at sunset to the sighting of the new moon, whether this occurs on the 29th or the 30th.

I`tikaf can also be observed for a lesser period, but preferably the length should not be less than one night. Women can also enjoy it, either at the mosques or at home, by confining themselves to a specific space and devoting the time for prayers.

When is Laylat Al-Qadr?

Ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet said:

Seek the Night of Power on the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan [i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th respectively]. (Al-Bukhari)

So, we should preferably seek out Laylat Al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan: the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh, and the twenty-ninth.

If one is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let us seek it out in the last odd nights: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh, and the twenty-ninth.

- aboutislam.net

About Professor Shahul Hameed

Professor Shahul Hameed is an Islamic consultant. He also held the position of the President of the Kerala Islamic Mission, Calicut, India. He is the author of three books on Islam published in the Malayalam language. His books are on comparative religion, the status of women, and science and human values.