Thursday, 3 November 2011

Eid Al-Adha: Festival of the Sacrifice


On occasion of Eid al-Adha, I would like to wish all of you and your family ‘’Eid Mubarak’’!

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar. Eid ul-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
What does Eid al-Adha commemorate? »
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:

"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord super ceded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day? »
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday? »
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.
General rituals and Tradition »
Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation is an open waqf field called Eidgah or mosque. Those Muslims who can afford, i.e Malik-e-Nisaab; sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually cow, but also camels, sheep, ram, and goats) as a symbol of Abraham's sacrifice. The sacrificed animals, called uḍiyyah (in Arabic), have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. Generally, sacrificial animals must be at least one year of age.

The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished person is left without sacrificial food during these days.

During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the people, chanting Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day, and after prayers throughout the three days of Eid are considered essential parts of the festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.
Desirable actions to be done on the Day of Eid »
1) In Eid Al-Adha (Eid of the hajj), based on the sunnah, one does not eat until they sacrifice, unlike Eid Al-Fitr (Eid of Ramadan).
2) Bathing and wearing one’s best attire before going to the Eid prayer.
The Prophet Sallah allahu alieh wasalam had a special garment that he wore for the performance of the Jummah and Eid prayers.
3) Walking to the masjid rather than riding (if the masjid is of walking distance and does not burden or create a hardship).
4) It is from the sunnah to go back to one’s house walking from a different route than that which was taken to get there.
Some scholars explain this as a way to meet and greet more people.
5) To say takbeer out loud because it is one of the symbols of that day.
The takbeer is said on the morning of Eid and continues on throughout until the Adhan is called. Worshippers join in on the takbeer uttered by the imam during the khutbah.
6) One of the most common forms of takbeer used by the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam and sahabah was:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilah Ila Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wallilahi Elhamd
(Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah).
7) Performing the Eid prayer before the khutbah is from the sunnah.
8) After the completion of the khutbah, Muslims should greet each other.
A common statement of greeting among the sahabah radia allah anhum was:
Taqabulla Mina Wamink
(Means: May Allah accept from us and you)
9) Those in charge should try to make the Eid prayer outside in an open area unless there is a reason barring them from this. It was the consistent pattern of the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam to perform all Eid prayers out in the open.
Salat al-Eid »
Salat al-Eid is Wajib (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory). It consists of two Raka'ah (units) with six additional Takbirs. It must be offered in congregation. The Salat is followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Wajib. During the Khutbah, the Imam reminds the community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, fellow Muslims and the fellow human beings. The Imam encourages the Muslims to do well and ward off evil. The feelings of sacrifice and struggle for Allah are aroused in the community.

At the conclusion of the Salaat the Muslims convey greetings to each other (Eid Mubarak) give reasonable gifts (Eidi) to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture

Hadiths on `Eid Al-Adha from Sahih Al-Bukhari

Volume 7, Book 68, Number 453:

Narrated Al-Bara:

The Prophet said (on the day of Idal-Adha), "The first thing we will
do on this day of ours, is to offer the ('Id) prayer and then return
to slaughter the sacrifice. Whoever does so, he acted according to
our Sunna (tradition), and whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) before
the prayer, what he offered was just meat he presented to his family,
and that will not be considered as Nusak (sacrifice)." (On hearing
that) Abu Burda bin Niyar got up, for he had slaughtered the
sacrifice before the prayer, and said, "I have got a six month old
ram." The Prophet said, 'Slaughter it (as a sacrifice) but it will
not be sufficient for any-one else (as a sacrifice after you). Al-
Bara' added: The Prophet said, "Whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice)
after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed
the tradition of the Muslims."


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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 454:

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said, "Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the
prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered
it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed
the tradition of the Muslims."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 455:

Narrated 'Uqba bin 'Amir Al-Juhani:

that the Prophet distributed among his companions some animals for
sacrifice (to be slaughtered on 'Id-al-Adha). 'Uqba's share was a
Jadha'a (a six month old goat). 'Uqba said, "O Allah's Apostle! I get
in my share of Jadha'a (a six month old ram)." The Prophet
said, "Slaughter it as a sacrifice."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 456:

Narrated 'Aisha:

that the Prophet entered upon her when she had her menses at Sarif
before entering Mecca, and she was weeping (because she was afraid
that she would not be able to perform the Hajj). The Prophet
said, "What is wrong with you? Have you got your period?" She
said, "Yes." He said, "This is a matter Allah has decreed for all the
daughters of Adam, so perform all the ceremonies of Hajj like the
others, but do not perform the Tawaf around the Ka'ba." 'Aisha added:
When we were at Mina, beef was brought to me and I asked, "What is
this?" They (the people) said, "Allah's Apostle has slaughtered some
cows as sacrifices on behalf of his wives."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 457:

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said on the day of Nahr, "Whoever has slaughtered his
sacrifice before the prayer, should repeat it (slaughter another
sacrifice)." A man got up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! This is a day
on which meat is desired." He then mentioned his neighbors saying, "I
have a six month old ram which is to me better than the meat of two
sheep." The Prophet allowed him to slaughter it as a sacrifice, but I
do not know whether this permission was valid for other than that man
or not. The Prophet then went towards two rams and slaughtered them,
and then the people went towards some sheep and distributed them
among themselves.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 458:

Narrated Abu Bakra:

The Prophet said, "Time has come back to its original state which it
had on the day Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is
twelve months, four of which are sacred, three of them are in
succession, namely Dhul-Qa'da, Dhul Hijja and Muharram, (the fourth
being) Rajab Mudar which is between Juma'da (ath-thamj and Sha'ban.
The Prophet then asked, "Which month is this?" We said, "Allah and
his Apostle know better." He kept silent so long that we thought that
he would call it by a name other than its real name. He said, "Isn't
it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We said, "Yes." He said, "Which town is
this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He kept silent
so long that we thought that he would call it t,y a name other than
its real name. He said, "isn't it the town (of Mecca)?" We
replied, "Yes." He said, "What day is today?" We replied, "Allah and
His Apostle know better." He kept silent so long that we thought that
he would call it by a name other than its real name. He said, "Isn't
it the day of Nahr?" We replied, "Yes." He then said, "Your blood,
properties and honor are as sacred to one another as this day of
yours in this town of yours in this month of yours. You will meet
your Lord, and He will ask you about your deeds. Beware! Do not go
astray after me by cutting the necks of each other. It is incumbent
upon those who are present to convey this message to those who are
absent, for some of those to whom it is conveyed may comprehend it
better than some of those who have heard it directly." (Muhammad, the
sub-narrator, on mentioning this used to say: The Prophet then
said, "No doubt! Haven't I delivered (Allah's) Message (to you)?
Haven't I delivered Allah's message (to you)?"

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 459:

Narrated Nafi':

'Abdullah (bin 'Umar) used to slaughter his sacrifice at the
slaughtering place (i.e the slaughtering place of the Prophet ) .
Ibn 'Umar said, "Allah's Apostle used to slaughter (camels and sheep,
etc.,) as sacrifices at the Musalla."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 460:

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet used to offer two rams as sacrifices, and I also used to
offer two rams.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 461:

Narrated Anas:

Allah's Apostle came towards two horned rams having black and white
colors and slaughtered them with his own hands.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 462:

Narrated 'Uqba bin 'Amir:

that the Prophet gave him some sheep to distribute among his
companions to slaughter as sacrifices ('Id--al--Adha). A kid was left
and he told the Prophet of that whereupon he said to him, "Slaughter
it as a sacrifice (on your behalf)."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 463:

Narrated Al-Bara' bin 'Azib:

An uncle of mine called Abu Burda, slaughtered his sacrifice before
the 'Id prayer. So Allah's Apostle said to him, "Your (slaughtered)
sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice)." Abu Burda said, "O Allah's
Apostle! I have got a domestic kid." The Prophet said, "Slaughter it
(as a sacrifice) but it will not be permissible for anybody other
than you" The Prophet added, "Whoever slaughtered his sacrifice
before the ('Id) prayer, he only slaughtered for himself, and whoever
slaughtered it after the prayer, he offered his sacrifice properly
and followed the tradition of the Muslims."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 464:

Narrated Al-Bara':

Abu Burda slaughtered (the sacrifice) before the ('Id) prayer
whereupon the Prophet said to him, "Slaughter another sacrifice
instead of that." Abu Burda said, "I have nothing except a Jadha'a."
(Shu'ba said: Perhaps Abu Burda also said that Jadha'a was better
than an old sheep in his opinion.) The Prophet said, "(Never mind),
slaughter it to make up for the other one, but it will not be
sufficient for anyone else after you."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 465:

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet slaughtered two rams, black and white in color (as
sacrifices), and I saw him putting his foot on their sides and
mentioning Allah's Name and Takbir (Allahu Akbar). Then he
slaughtered them with his own hands.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 466:

Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle entered upon me at Sarif while I was weeping (because
I was afraid that I would not be able to perform the ,Hajj). He
said, "What is wrong with you? Have you got your period?" I
replied, "Yes." He said, "This is a matter Allah has decreed for all
the daughters of Adam, so perform the ceremonies of the Hajj as the
pilgrims do, but do not perform the Tawaf around the Ka'ba." Allah's
Apostle slaughtered some cows as sacrifices on behalf of his wives.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Volume 7, Book 68, Number 467:

Narrated Al-Bara':

I heard the Prophet delivering a sermon, and he said (on the Day
of 'Id-Allah. a), "The first thing we will do on this day of ours is
that we will offer the 'Id prayer, then we will return and slaughter
our sacrifices; and whoever does so, then indeed he has followed our
tradition, and whoever slaughtered his sacrifice (before the prayer),
what he offered was just meat that he presented to his family, and
that was not a sacrifice." Abu Burda got up and said, "O Allah's
Apostle! I slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer and I have got
a Jadha'a which is better than an old sheep." The Prophet
said, "Slaughter it to make up for that, but it will not be
sufficient for anybody else after you."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 468:

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet said, "Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the 'Id
prayer, should repeat it (slaughter another one)." A man said "This
is the day on which meat is desired." Then he mentioned the need of
his neighbors (for meat) and the Prophet seemed to accept his excuse.
The man said, "I have a Jadha'a which is to me better than two
sheep." The Prophet allowed him (to slaughter it as a sacrifice). But
I do not know whether this permission was general for all Muslims or
not. The Prophet then went towards two rams and slaughtered them, and
the people went towards their sheep and slaughtered them.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 469:

Narrated Jundab bin Sufyan Al-Bajali:

I witnessed the Prophet on the Day of Nahr. He said, "Whoever
slaughtered the sacrifice before offering the 'Id prayer, should
slaughter another sacrifice in its place; and whoever has not
slaughtered their sacrifice yet, should slaughter now."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 470:

Narrated Al-Bara':

One day Allah's Apostle offered the 'Id prayer and said, "Whoever
offers our prayer and faces our Qibla should not slaughter the
sacrifice till he finishes the 'Id prayer." Abu Burda bin Niyar got
up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have already done it. The Prophet
said, "That is something you have done before its due time." Abu
Burda said, "I have a Jadha'a which is better than two old sheep;
shall I slaughter it?" The Prophet said, "Yes, but it will not be
sufficient for anyone after you."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 471:

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet used to offer as sacrifices, two horned rams, black and
white in color, and used to put his foot on their sides and slaughter
them with his own hands.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 472:

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet offered as sacrifices, two horned rams, black and white
in color. He slaughtered them with his own hands and mentioned
Allah's Name over them and said Takbir and put his foot on their
sides.

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 473:

Narrated Masruq:

that he came to 'Aisha and said to her, "O Mother of the Believers!
There is a man who sends a Hadi to Ka'ba and stays in his city and
requests that his Hadi camel be garlanded while he remains in a state
of Ihram from that day till the people finish their Ihram (after
completing all the ceremonies of Hajj)" (What do you say about it?)
Masruq added, I heard the clapping of her hands behind the curtain.
She said, "I used to twist the garlands for the Hadi of Allah's
Apostle and he used to send his Hadi to Ka'ba but he never used to
regard as unlawful what was lawful for men to do with their wives
till the people returned (from the Hajj)."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 474:

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

During the lifetime of the Prophet we used to take with us the meat
of the sacrifices (of Id al Adha) to Medina. (The narrator often
said. The meat of the Hadi).

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 475:

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:

that once he was not present (at the time of 'Id-al-Adha) and when he
came. some meat was presented to him. and the people said (to
him), 'This is the meat of our sacrifices" He said. 'Take it away; I
shall not taste it. (In his narration) Abu Sa'id added: I got up and
went to my brother, Abu Qatada (who was his maternal brother and was
one of the warriors of the battle of Badr) and mentioned that to him
He Sad. 'A new verdict was given in your absence (i.e., meat of
sacrifices was allowed to be stored and eaten later on)."

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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 476:

Narrated Salama bin Al-Aqua':

The Prophet said, "Whoever has slaughtered a sacrifice should not
keep anything of Its meat after three days." When it was the next
year the people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we do as we did last
year?" He said, ' Eat of it and feed of it to others and store of it
for in that year the people were having a hard time and I wanted you
to help (the needy)."


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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 477:

Narrated 'Aisha:

We used to salt some of the meat of sacrifice and present it to the
Prophet at Medina. Once he said, "Do not eat (of that meat) for more
than three days." That was not a final order, but (that year) he
wanted us to feed of it to others, Allah knows better.
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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 478:

Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:

the freed slave of Ibn Azhar that he witnessed the Day of 'Id-al-Adha
with 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. 'Umar offered the 'Id prayer before the
sermon and then delivered the sermon before the people, saying, "O
people! Allah's Apostle has forbidden you to fast (on the first day
of) each of these two 'Ida, for one of them is the Day of breaking
your fast, and the other is the one, on which you eat the meat of
your sacrifices."


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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 479:

Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:

(in continuation of 478). Then I witnessed the 'Id with 'Uthman
bin 'Affan, and that was on a Friday. He offered the prayer before
the sermon, saying, "O people! Today you have two 'Its (festivals)
together, so whoever of those who live at Al-'Awali (suburbs) would
like to wait for the Jumua prayer, he may wait, and whoever would
like to return (home) Is granted my permission to do so." Then I
witnessed (the 'Its) with 'Ali bin Abi Talib, and he too offered
the 'Id prayer before the sermon and then delivered the sermon before
the people and said, "Allah's Apostle has forbidden you to eat the
meat of your sacrifices for more than three days."


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Volume 7, Book 68, Number 480:

Narrated Salim:

'Abdullah bin 'Umar said, "Allah's Apostle said, "Eat of the meat of
sacrifices (of 'Id al Adha) for three days." When 'Abdullah departed
from Mina, he used to eat (bread with) oil, lest he should eat of the
meat of Hadi (which is regarded as unlawful after the three days of
the 'Id).

The DO and DON'TS of the Eid ul Adha

The celebration of Eid Al-Adha is symbolic of sacrifice and is a joyous occasion. Salatul Eid is fard upon all Muslims in the tradition of the sunnah. This holiday is of great importance to all adherents of Islam as it is believed to be wajib by many scholars. One receives a sin for not performing this act of worship unless there is a valid reason. This is indicated in the following:
a-The Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam ordered everyone to go pray the Eid prayer and he consistently prayed it.
b-The Fard of Salatul Jummah gets dropped to being a Dhur if they fall on the same day. Therefore, the scholars say it cannot be a sunnah because a sunnah cannot drop a fard/wajib.
c-He ordered all women, those enslaved and even women on their menstrual cycle, to go to the prayer areas.
On the other hand, other scholars claim it is a sunnah because of the famous hadith where one companion asked the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam, “Must I pray anything other than the 5 prayers?” The Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam replied, “No, unless you want to perform extra.”?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
The importance of this day and the prayer is apparent, regardless of the opinion you choose to follow.
We do, however, need to make sure we do not fall in innovations, prohibitions, or actions that will take away the reward we gained during the blessed days of Ramadan or Dhul Hajjah. The devil, having been held captive for 29 or 30 days during Ramadan, is released the maghrib before the Eid. It is also during the 9 days of Dhul Hajjah, the devil is eager to distract us from any acts of worship we pursue. Therefore, it is imperative for one to be on guard against the whisperings of the devil. The following is a list of preferred actions as well as actions one should avoid.
Desirable actions to be done on the Day of Eid:
1) Eating dates after Salatul Fajr and before the Eid prayer, as the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam did, symbolizing the breaking of his fast.
In Eid Al-Adha (Eid of the hajj), based on the sunnah, one does not eat until they sacrifice, unlike Eid Al-Fitr (Eid of Ramadan).
2) Bathing and wearing one’s best attire before going to the Eid prayer.
The Prophet Sallah allahu alieh wasalam had a special garment that he wore for the performance of the Jummah and Eid prayers.
3) Walking to the masjid rather than riding (if the masjid is of walking distance and does not burden or create a hardship).
In Sunan Al Tirmithy hadith # 530 Ali radia allah anh said, “It is from the sunnah to go to the masjid on the Eid walking, and to eat before you leave.”
4) It is from the sunnah to go back to one’s house walking from a different route than that which was taken to get there.
Some scholars explain this as a way to meet and greet more people.
5) To say takbeer out loud because it is one of the symbols of that day.
The takbeer is said on the morning of Eid and continues on throughout until the Adhan is called. Worshippers join in on the takbeer uttered by the imam during the khutbah.
6) One of the most common forms of takbeer used by the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam and sahabah was:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilah Ila Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wallilahi Elhamd
7) Performing the Eid prayer before the khutbah is from the sunnah.
Unlike Jummah, sitting and listening to the Eid khutbah is sunnah, meaning you can leave if you desire to after the prayer.
8) Eid is a joyous occasion for the Muslims and should be celebrated with family, friends, and the community. One of the ways this was expressed during the time of Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam, was through chants and inspirational lyrics. It was recorded that a few young girls took part in celebrating by chanting in the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam’s house on this day. Abu Baker radia allahu anh walked in and scolded them for chanting in the manner they did. The prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam said, “Leave them Abu Bakr, for every faith is a celebration and this is our celebration.”
Another incident that illustrates the joy of Eid, was when the young black boys played with their spears expressing their happiness of the upcoming Eid. The Prophet, sallah allahu alieh waslam upon seeing Aisha radia allahu anha’s interest in how they played, stood in a way to let Aisha radia allahu anha rest her head on his shoulder, and his cheek to her cheek, until she became bored.
9) After the completion of the khutbah, Muslims should greet each other.
A common statement of greeting among the sahabah radia allah anhum was:
Taqabulla Mina Wamink
(means: May Allah accept from us and you)
10) Those in charge should try to make the Eid prayer outside in an open area unless there is a reason barring them from this. It was the consistent pattern of the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam to perform all Eid prayers out in the open.
11) Every Muslim should strive to attend the Eid prayer; men, women, and children. Even women who are unable to pray due to their menstrual cycle, are still encouraged to attend the celebration of the Muslims. However, she is not to join in the prayer as was stated by the Prophet sallah allah alieh wasalam.
12) It is from the sunnah to make tasbeeh during Eid prayer. At the beginning of salat Al-Eid, the leader will say Allahu Akbar at the start of each raka several times. It’s disputed among scholars how many times a leader should make takbeer in each raka. The most authentic opinion on this is 7 takbirat in the first raka and 5 in the second. Since it’s a disputed matter, one should follow the number of takbirat the Imam says, so as not to cause a conflict on such a special day.
One should continue to recite the following in between the takbirat:
Subhan Allah, Walhamdulillah, Walilaha illa allah, Wallahu Akbar.
Undesirable Actions on the Day of Eid:
1) It is haram to fast the day of Eid. See hadith in Saheeh Muslim #827.
2) Some people consider it from the sunnah to stay up the night before the Eid worshipping, praying, and reading Quran. This proof is evidenced in the following hadith:
“Whomever livens the night of Eid, will have a live heart when other hearts die,” meaning liven it with prayer.
This hadith has two chains to it; one weak and the other extremely weak.
If one is in the habit of staying up and worshipping Allah, as is encouraged in the Quran and Sunnah, then it is permissible to do so. It is important, however, not to turn this into a special night of worship. To claim otherwise, would be considered an innovation.
3) One should avoid excessive mixing and mingling with the opposite sex who are not mahrem relatives. Naturally, this should be done throughout the year, but even more so during the Eid, given the celebratory nature of this day.
4) Sisters should be cautious of wearing make-up and wearing perfume when leaving their houses and being in public.
5) There is no sunnah prayer before the Eid prayer. If the Eid prayer is performed in the masjid, then one should pray 2 rakat of tahiyat al-masjid-in respect to the masjid-upon entering it. When the Eid prayer is held in an open area, such as a hall or ballroom, then one does not pray the 2 rakah of tahiyat al-masjid.
6) One should always observe the limits prescribed by Islam. Although it is from the sunnah to enjoy the celebration of Eid, one should avoid parties that contain instruments of the devil, or staying up late to the point of missing Salatul Fajr.
7) The celebration of Eid is especially joyous not because one is free from the constraints of Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah, but rather one is blessed with the opportunity to worship. Also, we celebrate with the hope that we are from the ones that will be freed from hell fire and rewarded with heaven. Finally, one returns from Salatul Eid like a baby from its mother’s womb-free of sin in eidul fiter.
8) It is haram to shake hands of the opposite sex who are not mahrem.
9) To visit the graves specifically on the day of the Eid is an innovation. If one visits the graves throughout the year, there is no particular harm, and actually will be rewarded since it is from the sunnah. One should not make it a point to do on this day only.
This is what I was able to gather based on the persistent requests of many brothers and sisters; this Eid night of 1423H.
Remember your brothers and sisters in your duaa, because although you may be happy this Eid, there are masses of Muslims who are oppressed, occupied, and suffering throughout the world. May Allah subhanhu watala return the Eid upon us in the liberation of the Muslim lands, with the victory of the Muslims and Mujahideen throughout the World.