Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

Bringing back the memories of the sacrifices and reciprocating the message of universal brotherhood, another Hajj is completed. And we are here celebrating, remembering and reflecting on this day of Eid.

To all brothers and sisters in Islam, a hearty Eid Mubarak from the whole team of Are We Prepared.

May Allah accept the Hajj of all our brothers and sisters who performed Hajj this year.  Ameen

And for those who did not perform hajj yet, keep the intention and we pray to Allah to make it easy for us to perform the Hajj sooner. Ameen

JazakAllahu Khairan to everyone for your support and prayers.
 
EID MUBARAK

Umm 'Atiyya reported: The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) commanded us to bring out on'id-ul-fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha young women, menstruating women and purdah-observing ladies, menstruating women kept back from prayer, but participated in goodness and supplication of the Muslims. I said: Messenger of Allaah, one of us does not have an outer garment (to cover her face and body). He said: Let her sister cover her with her outer garment. (Muslim, 1934)

Assalamu Alaikum Wa-rahmathullahi Wa-barakathuhu

Blessed Month of Ramadan is here to say Good Bye. A month we celebrated its bounty and blessings to reap the uncountable rewards that Allah filled in it. Hope every one of us had a rewarding Ramadan that we'll cherish in the coming days taking the spirit forward to enlighten our day to day life.

May Allah accept our qiyam, fasting, charity and duas. May Allah help us remain steadfast in our deen. Ameen

Here comes EID, a day Muslims all over the world celebrate. A day we gather in prayer invoking Allah's greatness, a day we cherish our brotherhood, a day we foster our kinship.

We wish you and your family a very blessed and joyous EID.

EID MUBARAK

We hope our daily hadiths, gems and articles helped us in our effort to get closer to Allah in this Ramadan. Feel free to pass your comments and feedback, which helps us make it better.

Abu Huraira (Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) forbade to observe fast on these two days. 'Id-ul-Adha bi and 'Id-ul-Fitr. (Muslim, 2534)

"For every people there is a feast and this is our feast" said the Prophet (S) to Aboo Bakr (R). [Bukhari and Muslim]. "

Eid is around the corner and we all are excited and just waiting for it. But how do we celebrate it?

The most known Sunnah to be followed on the day of Eid is to Take A Ghusl, Wear new clothes, Attend the Eid prayer with our family, Congratulate each other, Visit family and friends, Exchange gifts,etc.

But here below are few points to make our Eid even more enjoyable, exciting and memorable…

1. DECORATE OUR HOMES/PARTY HALLS:  A wonderful way to make our homes look brighter and joyful for the children. Get our children involved in the decoration of our homes. We can use balloons, decoration papers, lights, etc.  Buy party caps for children.

2. CAKES: We can buy cakes with Eid Mubarak written on it. But make sure candles are not there on the cake. We shouldn't do anything against our Islamic culture.

3. QURAN RECITATION COMPETITION: We can organise a competition at home for our children and invite their friends and make them recite any surah which they have learnt during the month of Ramadan and give gifts to the children. This will encourage children to learn more. If children can learn Filmi(unislamic) songs within just few times of hearing, is it difficult for those kids to learn few ayats from the Qur'an??

4. ENTERTAINTMENT/ GAMES: Entertainment is very much allowed in Islam, and specially on Eid it's a Sunnah. But to what extent it is allowed we need to make sure.

There are so many Islamic nasheeds for children exclusively and many nasheeds on Eid too. This way children can learn meaningful nasheeds and will not make them feel that 'Islam doesn't allow entertaintment'.

If men and women are gathered together at one place, then make sure separate arrangements are made for women and men separately so that women can have their share of fun without having other non-mahram men listen to them. In this way, even the women can enjoy in their own special ways.

Make arrangements for games for our children.

The above  points will give an impression to our children that Eid is a day of celebration and on Eid we can decorate our homes, cut cakes, and have loads of fun etc.  And it need not necessarily be a 'birthday party' to have such a celebration.

We can celebrate Eid in this manner without having any kind of guilt in our hearts that we are doing something Unislamic.  We will not have to feel guilty that after a wonderful blessed month of Ramadan, we are committing sins. In this way even children will have a wonderful time and will be very excited about celebrating eid and wont consider eid as a 'boring day'.

We have to keep in mind that we are celebrating Eid just afer the completion of the Holy month. The month in which we have done so much of ibadat and we have trained ourself during this month so that we can continue our increased ibadat during the following months. So do we want our ibadat to go down the drain just by celebrating our Eid in an unislamic manner???

Eid is definitely a day to be enjoyed, but we need to make sure Allah isn't upset with us in the way we are celebrating it. Just because Ramadan is over, it doesn't mean that we can do anything and everything our hearts desire…

May Allah bless us all, have mercy on us, accept all our good deeds and make this upcoming Eid very enjoyable for all of us.

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

|Sheikh Salman al-Oadah|

The Arabic word for holiday (`îd) literally means something that is customary or habitual. All nations and cultures have their unique holidays. This is because the desire to have holidays is part of human nature. People love to have occasions of joy to celebrate the present and commemorate the past.

Many non-Muslim civilizations have holidays connected with worldly events, like the birth of their nation or the fall of another or the coronation or marriage of a king, or the turn of the seasons.

They also have religious holidays. For instance, both the Jews and Christians have holidays that are uniquely their own. The Jews have Chanukah and Passover. The Christians have Christmas and Easter which are celebrated in all of the countries of Europe and the Americas as well as everywhere else the Christians have a presence, even in countries that are not predominantly Christian. Sometimes, Muslims participate in these Christian holidays as well, either out of ignorance or weakness of faith.

The Magians have their holidays as well, like Mahrajan and Nairuz.

As for the Muslims, they have only two holidays. These are `Îd al-Fitr and `Id al-Adhâ. They have no others.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah, he found that the inhabitants of that city had two festive days wherein they would play and enjoy themselves. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah – Most Blessed and High – has replaced these with what is better: `Îd al-Fitr and `Îd al-Adhâ.” [Sunan Abî Dâwûd(1134) and Sunan al-Nasâ’î (1556)]

Because of this hadîth, one Arab poet said:

    Two holidays there are for those with sense.
    There is no third to these if we desire
    To be secure in our auspicious day.

    They are the `Îds of Fitr and of Adhâ.
    Any addition to these is a departure
    From Prophet Muhammad's guidance and his way.

He wrote these verses to refute another poet who had added the Prophet's birthday to the list of Muslim holidays and said:

    Fitr, Adhâ, and the birthday –
    Three holidays the Muslims share.

    These holidays end, but gladness remains
    Because Muhammad's love is there.

These two holidays – `Îd al-Fitr and `Îd al-Adhâ – have been prescribed for us by Allah. They are among the most conspicuous symbols of Islam. The Muslims should be eager to observe these days and bring to mind what these days mean to us.

Some Rulings for the Day of `Îd

1. It is forbidden for a Muslim to observe a fast on the day of `Îd. Abû Sa`îd al-Khudrî relates to us that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbid fasting on two days: the day of `Îd al Fitr and the day of Îd al-Adhâ. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1197) and Muslim (1137)]

2. The prayer is to be attended by men and women alike. Umm `Atiyyah tells us: "Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) commanded us to come out and attend the prayers for `Îd al-Fitr and `Îd al-Adhâ, even the young maidens among us as well as those who were in seclusion and those who were menstruating. The menstruating women would stand apart from the prayer itself, but they would witness the good event and share in the Muslims' supplication." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (974) and Sahîh Muslim(890)]

We see that even young maidens, women in seclusion, and menstruating women are supposed to attend the `Id prayers. Therefore, we cannot doubt that men are expected to attend. Indeed, some scholars deem it obligatory for men to do so. They cite the hadîth of Umm `Atiyyah as evidence, as well as the following verses of the Qur'ân: "He indeed shall be successful who purifies himself, glorifies the name of his Lord, and prays." [Sûrah al-A`lâ: 14-15] They argue that the prayer being referred to in these verses is the `Îd prayer.

3. The `Îd service consists of a prayer and a sermon. The prayer comes before the sermon. Ibn `Umar, Abû Sa`îd, and Ibn `Abbâs all relate to us that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to offer the prayer before delivering the sermon. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (963) and Sahîh Muslim(888)]

4. It is preferred for the imâm to commence the first unit of the prayer with seven takbîrs and the second unit with five. This is the confirmed practice of a number of Companions, including `Umar, `Uthmân, `Alî , Abû Hurayrah, Abû Sa`îd al-Khudrî, Abû Ayyûb al-Ansârî, and Zayd b. Thâbit.

A number of hadîth have been attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), but none of them are authentic. However, this practice is authentically established for the Companions. It is also permissible to commence both units of prayer with four takbîrs each. This is the established practice of a number of the Pious Predecessors, including Ibn Mas`ûd. This is the practice adopted by Hanafî scholars.

5. It is preferable for the imam to recite Sûrah Qâf in the first unit of prayer and Sûrah al-Qamar in the second. Abû Wâfid al-Laythî relates that this was the Prophet's practice. [Sahîh Muslim (891)]

It is also related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite Sûrah al-A`lâ and Sûrah al-Ghâshiyah in the `Îd prayers, just like he would do in the Friday prayers. [Sahîh Muslim (878)]

6. There are no supererogatory prayers before or after the `Îd prayer. Ibn `Abbâs relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) went out on the day of `Îd and prayed two units of prayer. He prayed nothing else before it or after it. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (964) and Sahîh Muslim(884)]

And Allah knows best.

Source: www.islamtoday.com

Compiled by Sister Shawana A. Aziz

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Let the free women, the virgins, and the menstruating women attend the Eid prayer, and witness the good and the supplications of the believers. As for the menstruating women, they should stay away from the Musallah (i.e.. should not participate in the prayer itself).” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

A short description of the Eid Prayer

1 - The Eid Salaah consists of two Raka'ahs. Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The traveler’s prayer is two raka'ah; the Adha prayer is two Raka'ah; and the Jumuah prayer is two Rak'ah; this is their full length as came from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam).” [(saheeh) Musnad Ahmad, Nisa'ee, Baihaqee and others]

2 - The Eid Salaah is not preceded by the adhan (the call to announce the prayer time) or Iqamah (the call to start prayer). Jabir bin Samurah (radhi allahu anhu) said: “I prayed the Eid prayer with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), on more than one occasion, without adhan or Iqamah.” [Saheeh Muslim]

3 - No Sunnah prayer may precede or follow the Eid prayer, except if it is performed in a Masjid instead of a Musallah, in which case one must pray two raka'hs before sitting down. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went out (of his house) on the day of Fitr, prayed two raka'hs and did not pray before or after it.” [Zaad al-Maad (2/443)]

4 - Like any other deed in Islam, the prayer must be preceded with a true intention of worshiping Allah alone in the heart.

5 - The first raka'h (one prayer unit) is initiated with Takbeer al-ihram, followed by the opening supplication.

6 - Then followed by seven Takbeers in the first raka'h and five more in the second rak'ah. Aa'ishah (radhi allahu anha) said: “Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would say Takbeer in both Fitr and Adha: seven in the first and five in the second, other than the two Takbeers of Ruku (bowing).” [(Saheeh) - Abu Dawood (1150) and others]

7 - After the Takbeer one should recite Ta'awwuth - 'A'uthu billahi min ash-Shaytaan ir-Rajeem' meaning “I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast devil” and Basmallah 'Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem' meaning 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.'

8 - Followed by the recitation of Soorah al-Fatihah

9 - Then, the recitation of Soorah al-Qaaf in the first raka'h and the Soorah al-Qamar in the second - OR - Soorah al-Alaa in the first and Soorah al-Ghashiyah in the second. Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “Both of these have been authentically reported from the action of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), nothing else is authentic.” [Zaad al-Maad (1/443)] Note: Reciting a Soorah different from the ones mentioned above will too complete the prayer. The remainder of the prayer is performed in the same manner as any other prayer, without any difference.

The Eid Khutbah:The Sunnah of the Eid Khutbah is that it should be delivered after the Eid Salaah. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: “I attended the Eid with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), Abu Bakr (radhi allahu anhu) Umar (radhi allahu anhu) and Uthman (radhi allahu anahu); all of them would pray before the Khutbah.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Listening to the Eid Khutbah is not wajib, Abdullah bin as-Sa'ib (radhi allahu anhu) reported that he attended the Eid prayer with the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam); and when he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) finished the prayer, he said: “We shall have a Khutbah; so let whoever wishes to sit for the Khutbah do so, and whoever wishes to leave, may leave.” [(saheeh) Abu Dawood)]

If the Eid falls on a Friday, it becomes optional for men to attend the Jumu'ah prayer. Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that on such occurrence, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Two Eids have coincided on this day of yours; thus whoever wishes, is exempted from attending the Jumu'ah prayer. Yet, we shall hold it.” [Authenticated by Shaikh al-Albanee in Irwa ul-Ghalil]

It should be noted that if one does not attend the Jumu’ah prayer, then it becomes obligatory on him to offer the Dhuhr prayer.

Eid celebrations are religious occasions, but the joy that occurs on the Eid, has made many people forget or become negligent of the Deen and Islamic regulations. Whilst enjoying and celebrating this great day of Eid one should avoid celebrating the Eid in a way similar to the Kuffar, who overstep Allah's boundaries when they rejoice. They indulge in various acts of disobedience, such as mingling of men and women, wearing improper clothes, dancing, listening to music, drinking alcohol etc. Also, Muslims must avoid performing unjustified practices and Bid'ahs, like spending the night preceding the Eid in extended worship, visiting the graves etc. Finally, We ask Allah to give us the correct understanding of His Deen and make all our worships sincerely for His Face. Ameen!

Source: http://www.ahya.org

Compiled by Shawana A. Aziz

Eid - a Mercy of Allah:

Anas (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) came to Madeenah and the people of Madeenah had in Jahiliyah two days of play and amusement (they are the day of Niarooz (New Years Day) and the day of Maharajaan (Final Day of the Year). So, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “I came to you and you had in Jahiliyah two days of play and amusement. Indeed, Allah has replaced them for you by that which is better than them: The day of Nahr (slaughtering) and the day of Fitr (breaking fast).” [(saheeh) Musnad Ahmad (3/103, 178, 235 and others)]

Shaikh Ahmad Abdur-Rahmaan al-Banaa said: “This is because the two days, the day of Fitr and of Nahr are from the legislation of Allah, the Most High, His choice for His creation and because they succeed the performance of two great pillars of Islam, which are Hajj and Fasting. In them, Allah forgives the pilgrims and those who fast, and spreads His Mercy over all His obedient creation. As for the days of Nairooz and Mahrajaan, then they were chosen by the wise men of that era, either because of the mildness of the climate and season or because of other transitory virtues. Thus, the difference between them is clear for those who contemplate.” [Fath ur-Rabaanee (6/119)]

Eid - a day of gathering:

Eid (pl. 'Ayad') is any day of gathering. It is derived from 'ada' (meaning returned), because people return to it periodically. Ibn ul-Arabi says: “It is called Eid because it returns every year with renewed happiness. Some scholars say it is derived from ‘adah’ (custom or practice) because people are accustomed to celebrating it.

Ibn Abidayn said: “The Eid days are thus named because Allah renews His Bounties in them; and He distributes His blessings to His worshipers. From these are Fitr (eating), after food had been prohibited and Sadaqaat al-Fitr (the charity of breaking the fast) to the needy. And on Eid al-Adha, the completion of Hajj with the final Tawaaf of visiting; the meat from sacrifices and many other acts. Also because the custom in Eid is joy, happiness, cheerfulness and gladness.” [Hashiyah Ibn Abidayn (2/165)]

Recommended Acts on Eid:

Eid is a purely religious occasion, since it is granted by Allah through the revelation and when Allah grants something, he grants it complete and perfect. Thus, He granted us Eid and instructions to celebrate it.

1 - Ghusl (bathing): It is recommended to take bath on the morning of Eid. Nafi reports: “Abdullah bin Umar (radhi allahu anhu) used to bathe on the day of Fitr before setting out to the Musallah.” [(saheeh) Reported by Malik (1/177) Shafi'ee (73)]

2 - Adornment and beautifying Oneself for Eid: Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “Umar (radhi allahu anhu) bought a silk outer-garment that was being sold in the market. He came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and said: “Take this garment, to adorn (yourself) with on Eid and for meeting delegations with. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) replied: “Indeed, this is the garment of the one who has no share of the Hereafter.” Umar remained as long as Allah willed him to remain and then left. Then, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) sent to him the silk garment. So Umar came with it to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)! You said indeed this is the garment of the one who has no share of the Hereafter but you sent this garment to me!” So the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Sell it and fulfill your needs with its profit.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (886, 947, 2104, 3054, 5841) and Saheeh Muslim (2068) and others]

Haafidh Ibn Hajr (rahimahullah) said: “The evidence derived from this Hadeeth is that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) approved Umar on the basic principle of beautifying oneself for Eid and restricted him to wear garment made of silk.” [Fath al-Baree 2/234]

From beautifying oneself on Eid is wearing Kohl (surmah), perfumes and oil, wearing turban, caps etc. It is also recommended to wear best clothes on Eid.

3 - Eating some dates on the morning of Eid: Narrated Anas Ibn Malik (radhi allahu anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would not leave (his house) on the day of Fitr until he ate some dates.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and others]

Imaam al-Muhallab said: “The wisdom in eating before the prayer is to avoid the assumption that one must continue to fast until the Eid prayer is over.” [Fath al-Baree (2/447)]

4 - Proceeding to the Musallah: The Sunnah is to hold the Eid prayer in the open. The outdoor place is known as the Musallah. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) on the day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha would go to the Musallah and the first thing that he would begin with is the prayer.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (957) and Saheeh Muslim (889) and an-Nisa'ee (3/187)]

The renowned scholar Ibn Hajee al-Maalikee said: “The Sunnah with regards to the Eid prayer is to perform it at the Musallah. This is because the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Prayer in my Masjid is a thousand times better than a prayer anywhere else except the Masjid al-Haraam.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (1190) and Saheeh Muslim (1394)] Despite this great excellence his Masjid, he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went out (to the Musallah) and left his Masjid.” [al-Maadhkal (2/283)]

He, who is unable to proceed to the Musallah, due to illness or old age can pray in the mosque and there is no blame on him, Insha'Allah. [Refer to al-Mughnee (2/230)]

5 - Going to and returning from the Musallah: Jabir Ibn Abdullah (radhi allahu anhu) said: “When it was the day of Eid, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would alter his routes (of returning).” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (986)]

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawzeeyah said: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to change his route on the days of Eid, such that he went by one route and returned by another. It is said (he did this) to give salaams upon the people of both routes. Or so that both groups get some of his blessings. Or so that anybody who has a need can take care of it. Or to make manifest the ruling of Islam… and this is the most correct opinion for all these reasons and for other reasons of wisdom which his actions contain.” [Zaad al-Maad 1/449]

Imaam an-Nawawi after mentioning the previous sayings writes: “Even if the reason is not known, it is still definitely preferred to make it a ruling guideline to be followed and Allah knows best.” [Rawdat ul-Taalibeen (2/77)]

6 - The goal of offering the prayer in the Musallah is to gather the majority of Muslims in one place. However, we see that many countries today have established many Musallahs, even without the need for them. The scholars have warned people against such a thing. [Nihayat al-Muhtaj by ar-Ramli (2/375)] And these numerous Musallahs have turned into podiums set up to declare loyalty to different parties and divide the word of Muslims. Indeed, there is no Might or Power except Allah!

7 - Going Early: Imaam al-Baghawee said in Sharh us-Sunnah (4/302 - 303): “It is preferred that the people leave for the Musallah after praying the dawn prayer (Fajr), so that they can take their places and make Takbeer. While the Imaam proceeds when it is time for the prayer.”

8 - Walking to the Musallah: It is recommended to walk to the Musallah, if it is at a short distance. Alee Ibn Abee Talib (radhi allahu anhu) said: “From the sunnah is to proceed to the Eid (Musalaah) by foot.” [at-Tirmidhee (530)]

9 - Takbeer: Allah says: “…you must exclaim Allah's greatness for having guided you, so that you may be grateful.” [ (2): 185]

Takbeer is a distinctive feature of Muslim Eid celebration. It starts from the time one leaves his house heading towards the Musallah. It is established that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would emerge on the day of Eid al-Fitr and say the Takbeer until he reached the Musallah and until he had performed the prayer. So, when he had performed the prayer, he stopped saying the Takbeer.” [Silsilah Ahadeeth as-Saheehah (170)]

Shaikh al-Albanee (rahimahullah) said: “This hadeeth contains evidence concerning legality of the common practice of Muslim of saying the Takbeer aloud on route to Musallah. Even though many people are now neglecting this Sunnah so much that it is almost totally forgotten! It would be useful at this point to remind that saying the Takbeer in unison (in groups), is not permissible. This applies as well to any other form of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), whether it is supposed to be said loudly or secretly. Let this be a warning for us, and let us keep in our minds that the best guidance is of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam).” [As Saheehah 1/121]

Wisdom in Takbeer: Muslims are instructed to proclaim the Takbeer frequently, especially in situations, which might imply feelings of arrogance in the heart. For example; when a person slaughters an animal, he may feel arrogant because he has the power to kill, but when he says: 'Allah is the Greatest', he remembers his true position, and that no matter how great and mighty he thinks himself, Allah is Greater and Mightier, and He is the One Who provided him with the animal and gave him the strength to slaughter it. Similarly, throwing stones in Mina is an act of power and aggression. But when the pilgrims say: 'Allahu Akbar', they remembers Allah's Power and Might.

In their travels, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and his companions used to say, 'Allahu Akbar' when they ascended a hill. Rising to a high place is another act that may cause arrogance in the heart. By applying this Sunnah, one controls himself and remembers that Allah is Greater and Higher.

Likewise, celebrations are occasions of rejoice and happiness. People tend then to be arrogant. But when they remember Allah's greatness so very frequently, they retain their position of submission and servitude before Him.

Furthermore, saying the Takbeer loudly and frequently makes people remember that the Eid is a gift granted by Allah, He is greater than worries and fears, which could mar the Eid spirit; He is the One who guides them, and who is capable of protecting them, removing their worries, and accepting their acts of worship that precedes the Eid.

The Words of Takbeer: No authentic saying of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) is found describing the exact words of the Takbeer. However, the following have been reported from the Sahabah (radhi allahu anhu):

1. Ibn Mas'ood (radhi allahu anhu): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd.” [(Saheeh) Irwaa al-Ghaleel (650), Daraqutne, Ibn Shaibah] (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is none worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praises)

2. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd; Allahu Akbar wa-ajal, Allahu akbaru ala ma hadana.” [(saheeh) - Bayhaqee (3/315)](Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praises. Allah is the Greatest to that which He has guided us to)

3. Salman (radhi allahu anhu): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar kabeera.” [(saheeh) - Bayhaqee (3/316)] (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest)

Many people have differed from the pious predecessors in this Dhikr, adding innovations and pronouncing the Takbeer in unison which have no basis. Ibn Hajr (rahimahullah) said: “Some additions to the Takbeer have been innovated in these times for which there is no basis.”

Eid Greetings

It is permissible for Muslims to greet each other on the day of Eid with specific greetings, which have been reported from the Sahabah (radhi allahu anhu). Responding to a question in this regard, Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said: “As for the greetings on the day of Eid, then it is by saying to one another when meeting after the prayer: “'TaKabbala Allahu minnaa wa minkum wa Ahaala Allaahu 'alaika' [Majmoo al-Fatawa (24/253)] “May Allah accept it from you and us and may Allah make it return to you, and other things of this nature.”

Haafidh Ibn Hajr said: “We have related in 'Mahaamiliyaat' with a chain of narration, which is hasan, from Jubair bin Nufair, who said: “The Companions of Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) when they met on the day of Eid, would say to each other: ‘Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum' “May Allah accept it from you and us” [Fath al-Baree (2/446)]

This is the greeting with which the Sahabah (radhi allahu anhu) used to greet each other with. Therefore, greeting one another in this manner is a part of the religion and thus one will be rewarded for it by Allah.

Source: http://www.ahya.org/