Eid Primer
Asalamu alaykum
For many of us, the ‘Eid prayer is a simple ritual that we observe twice a year. However, if one recently accepted Islam, or is dealing with the responsibility of his first ‘Eid khutbah, the ‘Eid prayer begins to seem as something truly daunting. With that in mind, I decided to compile a simple primer on the ‘Eid prayer. I hope this facilitates its observance, makes it easy for all of us who don't have nuch knowledge about this.
Q: What is ‘Eid-ul-Fitr'?
The word ‘Eid' in Arabic means holiday and the word 'fitr' means to break. Since this holiday takes place the day after the month of Ramadan ends, this holiday is given this name, “The holiday for breaking the fast.”
Q: What happens on that day?
On the day of ‘Eid' the entire Muslim community congregates in observance of the ‘Eid prayer'.
Q: What Time is This Prayer?
It can be prayed anytime after sunrise until noon and must be done so in congregation.
Q: Who’s invited? Can I bring my non-Muslim friends and family members?
The entire community is encouraged to come, and you are definitely encouraged to bring all of your friends and family to the prayer and the celebrations thereafter!
Q: How does one pray this prayer? Is it different than the Friday Prayer?
The ‘Eid prayer' is similar to the Friday prayer in its number of Rakats (cycles), two, that it is an auditory prayer and that both have sermons. However, unlike the Friday prayer, the ‘Eid prayer’s' sermon follows the prayer.
The second difference lies in its number of takbirs (when the prayer leader says, Allahu Akbar “God is the greatest” which starts the prayer). In the ‘Eid prayer there are 6 additional takbir added to the original in the prayer’s first (Rakat) cycle, and 5 added to the second Rakat (cycle) of prayer after he rises from the sitting position to stand for the second cycle.
Q: How it’s done:
The first Rakat (cycle)- The opening takbir, then the prayer leaders says “Alahu akbar” [God is the greatest] six mores times and then he recites the opening chapter from the Qur’an followed by a short reading from another chapter of the Qur’an or one of the smaller chapters.
Arising for the second Rakat (cycle)- One says “Allahu Akbar” to arise and stands for the second cycle of prayer then states Allahu Akbar 5 more times before reading the opening chapter from the Qur’an.
Note: if one is following the Imam, its much more easier. Just follow him!
Q: Are their any special chapters of Qur’an that should be recited during this prayer?
It was the practice of the Prophet to read, after the first chapter of Qur’an, the 87th chapter (Surat Al-A'laa) in the first Rakat (cycle) of prayer; the 88th (Surat Al-Ghashiyah) in the second Rakat (cycle). Other considered it commendable to recite the 50th chapter (Surat Qaf) from the Qur’an in the first Rakat (cycle) and the 54th (Surat Al-Qamar) in the second. However, if one is unable to read those chapters, there is nothing wrong with reading whatever he knows from the Qur’an.
Q: What if one comes late and misses the extra takbirs?
If one comes after the preacher has already started, say he has already stated Allahu Akbar “God is the greatest” 3 times in addition to the opening statement Allahu Akbar “God is the Greatest”, then that person should began is prayer by saying, Allahu Akbar “God is the Greatest” and join the Imam. However once the preacher begins to recite the Qur’an, the late comer should keep saying Allahu Akbar “God is the greatest” [not in a loud voice] until he arrives to the total of 7 extra takbirs or 5 if he comes late for the second Rakat.
Thus, in the above scenario where the preacher said 3, the person would have said a total of 4 with him. However, once the preacher started to read Qur’an, the person should add an additional 4 takbir Allahu Akbar [saying God is the greatest] making it a total of 7.
If it were the second Rakat (cycle), the person, once the preacher starts reading Qur’an, should add 2 more to reach the total of 5.
If one arrived late and started his/her prayer with the second Rakat (cycle), missing the first. Then he/she should say 7 when he/shes stand to complete the prayer after the preacher closes the prayer.
If the person comes late and finds the congregation at the end of the prayer, meaning he missed all of the takbirs, he should arise, after the closure of the prayer, and say 7 takbirs in the first cycle and 5 in the second.
Note: one may pray behind any preacher who observes the takbirs in a different fashion recognized by Islamic ritual law. There is no problem to follow them in this; one should not make it a big issue.
Q: What is the ruling for ‘Eid Prayer?
Eid prayer is a highly encouraged act for those ordered to pray the Friday prayer and recommended for those who are not ordered to pray the Friday prayer according to a group of scholars. However, there are other great scholars who hold it to be a religious obligation.
Q: What Should the Preacher Talk about?
In addition to what constitutes the normal recognized procedures related to the sermon, one should insure that his sermon is relevant; providing the community with a feeling of empowerment and purpose. It is also good to channel the community into taking part in the different committees and programs that take place in the local mosque. One should also try and make the speech relevant to the attendees addressing each by drawing on valuable lessons that are practical and measurable.
Recommended acts:
> To keep night vigil the night before the ‘Eid prayer*
> To take a ritual bath prior to the prayer
> To apply perfume [for men only]
> To wear one’s best clothing
> To return from the prayer using a different route, which he/she used while going to prayer.
> To eat something before the ‘Eid prayer. It is best to eat a few dates and if proven difficult, then drinking some water as this is the sunna of the Prophet [note for 'Eid al-Adha the opposite holds true].
> To set out for the Masjid early engaging in Takbir. This is truly one of the greatest memories any family can have so seize this moment and engage is takbir with your families. If you’re solo, then know that you are engaging in takbir with the angels!
> To pray in an open space
> One should not pray before or after the ‘Eid prayer
> It’s sermon is like that of Jum’ah, save it comes after the prayer.
May Allah bless you and give you the best ‘Eid ever!
The articles was posted for a general preparation, Errors and omissions accepted, If you want to read more about Eid please refer to the Islamic books, websites and your local clerics, they will give you more information on this.
Q: What is ‘Eid-ul-Fitr'?
The word ‘Eid' in Arabic means holiday and the word 'fitr' means to break. Since this holiday takes place the day after the month of Ramadan ends, this holiday is given this name, “The holiday for breaking the fast.”
Q: What happens on that day?
On the day of ‘Eid' the entire Muslim community congregates in observance of the ‘Eid prayer'.
Q: What Time is This Prayer?
It can be prayed anytime after sunrise until noon and must be done so in congregation.
Q: Who’s invited? Can I bring my non-Muslim friends and family members?
The entire community is encouraged to come, and you are definitely encouraged to bring all of your friends and family to the prayer and the celebrations thereafter!
Q: How does one pray this prayer? Is it different than the Friday Prayer?
The ‘Eid prayer' is similar to the Friday prayer in its number of Rakats (cycles), two, that it is an auditory prayer and that both have sermons. However, unlike the Friday prayer, the ‘Eid prayer’s' sermon follows the prayer.
The second difference lies in its number of takbirs (when the prayer leader says, Allahu Akbar “God is the greatest” which starts the prayer). In the ‘Eid prayer there are 6 additional takbir added to the original in the prayer’s first (Rakat) cycle, and 5 added to the second Rakat (cycle) of prayer after he rises from the sitting position to stand for the second cycle.
Q: How it’s done:
The first Rakat (cycle)- The opening takbir, then the prayer leaders says “Alahu akbar” [God is the greatest] six mores times and then he recites the opening chapter from the Qur’an followed by a short reading from another chapter of the Qur’an or one of the smaller chapters.
Arising for the second Rakat (cycle)- One says “Allahu Akbar” to arise and stands for the second cycle of prayer then states Allahu Akbar 5 more times before reading the opening chapter from the Qur’an.
Note: if one is following the Imam, its much more easier. Just follow him!
Q: Are their any special chapters of Qur’an that should be recited during this prayer?
It was the practice of the Prophet to read, after the first chapter of Qur’an, the 87th chapter (Surat Al-A'laa) in the first Rakat (cycle) of prayer; the 88th (Surat Al-Ghashiyah) in the second Rakat (cycle). Other considered it commendable to recite the 50th chapter (Surat Qaf) from the Qur’an in the first Rakat (cycle) and the 54th (Surat Al-Qamar) in the second. However, if one is unable to read those chapters, there is nothing wrong with reading whatever he knows from the Qur’an.
Q: What if one comes late and misses the extra takbirs?
If one comes after the preacher has already started, say he has already stated Allahu Akbar “God is the greatest” 3 times in addition to the opening statement Allahu Akbar “God is the Greatest”, then that person should began is prayer by saying, Allahu Akbar “God is the Greatest” and join the Imam. However once the preacher begins to recite the Qur’an, the late comer should keep saying Allahu Akbar “God is the greatest” [not in a loud voice] until he arrives to the total of 7 extra takbirs or 5 if he comes late for the second Rakat.
Thus, in the above scenario where the preacher said 3, the person would have said a total of 4 with him. However, once the preacher started to read Qur’an, the person should add an additional 4 takbir Allahu Akbar [saying God is the greatest] making it a total of 7.
If it were the second Rakat (cycle), the person, once the preacher starts reading Qur’an, should add 2 more to reach the total of 5.
If one arrived late and started his/her prayer with the second Rakat (cycle), missing the first. Then he/she should say 7 when he/shes stand to complete the prayer after the preacher closes the prayer.
If the person comes late and finds the congregation at the end of the prayer, meaning he missed all of the takbirs, he should arise, after the closure of the prayer, and say 7 takbirs in the first cycle and 5 in the second.
Note: one may pray behind any preacher who observes the takbirs in a different fashion recognized by Islamic ritual law. There is no problem to follow them in this; one should not make it a big issue.
Q: What is the ruling for ‘Eid Prayer?
Eid prayer is a highly encouraged act for those ordered to pray the Friday prayer and recommended for those who are not ordered to pray the Friday prayer according to a group of scholars. However, there are other great scholars who hold it to be a religious obligation.
Q: What Should the Preacher Talk about?
In addition to what constitutes the normal recognized procedures related to the sermon, one should insure that his sermon is relevant; providing the community with a feeling of empowerment and purpose. It is also good to channel the community into taking part in the different committees and programs that take place in the local mosque. One should also try and make the speech relevant to the attendees addressing each by drawing on valuable lessons that are practical and measurable.
Recommended acts:
> To keep night vigil the night before the ‘Eid prayer*
> To take a ritual bath prior to the prayer
> To apply perfume [for men only]
> To wear one’s best clothing
> To return from the prayer using a different route, which he/she used while going to prayer.
> To eat something before the ‘Eid prayer. It is best to eat a few dates and if proven difficult, then drinking some water as this is the sunna of the Prophet [note for 'Eid al-Adha the opposite holds true].
> To set out for the Masjid early engaging in Takbir. This is truly one of the greatest memories any family can have so seize this moment and engage is takbir with your families. If you’re solo, then know that you are engaging in takbir with the angels!
> To pray in an open space
> One should not pray before or after the ‘Eid prayer
> It’s sermon is like that of Jum’ah, save it comes after the prayer.
May Allah bless you and give you the best ‘Eid ever!
The articles was posted for a general preparation, Errors and omissions accepted, If you want to read more about Eid please refer to the Islamic books, websites and your local clerics, they will give you more information on this.
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