Etiquettes of Eidul Adhha

By Shaikh Ahmad Kutty

Eidul adhha is the second of the most important festivals in Islam. It is an important symbol of Islam, through which we commemorate the faith and sacrifice of the great Prophets Ibrahim and his son Ismaeel (peace be upon them all). We are to use the occasion to meditate on the spiritual lessons of the rituals associated with hajj and the day of sacrifice– as narrated by the Qur’an.

Eid is an occasion of Thanksgiving, enhancing a sense of community, and an occasion to share joy with everyone. Here are some of the important etiquettes for us to observe in order to celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner:

1. We are to utilize the great spiritual fragrances associated with the first ten days of dhul hijjah, also known as the days of hajj as the global Muslim community converge on the sacred sites to perform the rituals of hajj. We ought to feel the close spiritual affinity with them, and seize the opportunity for seeking nearness to Allah through dhikr, saying salawaat on the Prophet (peace be upon him) as well supplications. We read in the tradition, “Your Lord chooses to dispense bursts of graces in certain days more than others, so be receptive to them.”
2. Therefore, we are to seize these precious days and nights for extra acts of virtue, dhikr, prayers and fasts (except for the days of Eid: i.e., the tenth, eleventh, thirteenth day of dhul hijjah, which are set aside for feasting).
3. Fasting is especially recommended on the day of Arafah except for those who are in pilgrimage;
4. We are to start the takbir on the day of Arafah and should continue to do so until the sunsets on the fourteenth day of tashreeq.
5.  Islam stresses cleanliness and beauty. The Prophet encouraged us to be neat and tidy in our appearance. It is even more so while we gather with people, and on occasions of festivals where we display a sense of community.
6. Therefore, taking a bath, putting on the best of clothes and attire and applying some scent are all highly recommended practices and etiquettes of Eid.
7. It is also important to prepare for this occasion with the great expectation and carry around with a pleasant and joyous appearance, for that has been considered as a true act of charity in Islam;
8. We should engage in takbir (saying, “Allahu akbar”) starting from the fajr salah on the day of Arafah. Tabkir should continue until the ‘asr salah on the thirteenth day of Dhul Hijjah; it should be said by everyone: males, females, young and old.
9. It is recommended to go early to the prayer place with wudhu;
10. On this occasion, we should wish everyone with the joy of `Eid and express our sense of true brotherhood with everyone by shaking hands and embracing and supplicating: “Taqabal Allahu Minna wa Minkum” (May Allah accept it from us and you).
11. It is also considered a good Islamic practice to visit one other and exchange gifts. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Exchange gifts in order to foster love.”
12.  We can never over emphasize the importance of being charitable, compassionate and generous towards everyone, especially towards those who are vulnerable, the poor and the destitute– regardless of differences in creed, color or ethnicity.
13. While celebrating the occasion of Eid, we must also remember all those who are sick and suffering as well as those who have passed away by offering prayers for them. I pray to Allah to make this Eid a harbinger of peace, joy, dignity, and glory for Muslims all over the world.

Source: www.islam.ca