Some Etiquettes of `Îd

Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
     
We as Muslims have only two holidays. These are `Îd al-Fitr and `Id al-Adhâ. We have no others. Since these two holidays – `Îd al-Fitr and `Îd al-Adhâ – have been prescribed for us by Allah, we should be eager to observe these days and bring to mind what they days mean to us. They are among the most conspicuous symbols of Islam.

We can enhance our experience of this auspicious day by honoring the etiquettes of `Îd that the Sunnah teaches us to observe.

Some of most important of these etiquettes are as follows:

1. We should bathe in the morning before going out to attend the `Îd prayer.

Mâlik relates in al-Muwatta’ (428) that Ibn `Umar would bathe on the day of `Îd al-Fitr before going out to pray.

In al-Majmû` (2/231), the great jurist al-Nawawî informs us that the scholars agree about the preferentiality of taking a bath before going out for the Îd prayer.

The reason for doing so is the same as it is for the Friday where the Muslims all gather together to pray. Indeed, this meaning is even more clear when it comes to `Îd.

2. We should eat some dates before departing from home to attend the pray for `Id al-Fitr.

Anas relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not depart for the prayer until after he had eaten some dates. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (953)]

The reason for this is to affirm that we are not fasting on this day after having fasted for the entire month of Ramadan.

As for `Id al-Adhâ, it is preferred to refrain from eating until after the prayer and to make the first food we partake in some of the meat from our sacrificial animal.

3. We should recite the special takbîr on the morning of `Id.

Allah says: “So you may complete the number of days and magnify Allah because He has guided you, and perchance you may give thanks.” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 185]

Regarding the time we should start with the takbîr, the strongest view is that we should begin doing so as soon as we leave from our homes to go to he prayer. It is related that Ibn `Umar used to recite the takbîr when he left from his house to go to the prayer area. [Musannaf Ibn Abî Shaybah (5619)]

The other opinion on the matter is that we should start doing so at sunset upon completion of the last day of Ramadan.

The takbîr on the morning of the `Id is a well known practice of the Pious Predecessors, including Nâfi` b. Jubayr. He was surprised to find people neglecting it.

Al-Zuhrî said: “The people used to recite the takbîr from the time they left their homes until they reached the prayer area and then would continue to do so until the imâm came forth to lead the prayer. At that point, they would fall silent.” [Musannaf Ibn Abî Shaybah (5629)]

4. We should greet each other with special `Id salutations.

There is no specific wording prescribed for this. We can say any number of permissible greetings, like: “`Idukum mubârak!” “Taqabbal Allah minnâ wa minkum!”

This practice was well-known to the Companions. They would offer each other salutations on every joyous occasion, just like they did when somebody was informed of Allah’s pardon and in numerous other circumstances. The people of knowledge, like Ahmad b. Hanbal, have always condoned the `Id salutations.

We cannot doubt that these salutations are part of good manners. They are also a good way of strengthening community participation on this auspicious day.

5. Men should put on their best clothes.

Ibn `Umar relates that his father `Umar b. al-Khattâb saw a silk cloak (being sold) at the gate of the mosque and said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): “I wish you would buy this to wear on `Îd and also on the occasions when delegations arrive.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “This will be worn by a person who will have no share (of reward) in the Hereafter.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (984) and Sahîh Muslim (2068)]

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) rejected that particular article of clothing only because it was made of silk. Nevertheless, this incident shows us that `Umar was well aware that new clothing should be worn for `Îd.

Jâbir relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had a cloak that he reserved for the Friday prayers and for the two `Id prayers.” [Sahîh Ibn Khuzaymah (1765) and Sunan al-Bayhaqî (5931)]

Ibn `Umar used to always wear his best clothing for the two `Îd prayers. [Sunan al-Bayhaqî (5938)] As for women, they should not allow their fine clothes to be seen when they go out of their homes to attend the `Îd prayer. Women should conceal their finery from the gaze of strange men. Likewise, they should refrain from putting on perfume when they go out to prayer.

Source: www.islamtoday.com