‘Eid Mubaarak !
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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
It’s been confirmed that tomorrow [Sunday 20th September '09] is the day of ‘Eid al-Fitr.
‘Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa minkum.’
May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you.
We wish you and your family a joyous occasion and pray that you were amongst those whom Allaah spared from His Fire in this holy month. Aameen.
Remember us in your du’aa’.
Etiquettes of ‘Eid
Praises be to Allaah.
The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows:
1 – Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.
It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta’ and elsewhere that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta’ 428.
Al- Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to do ghusl for Eid prayer.
The reason why it is mustahabb is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumu’ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger.
2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha:
Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 953.
It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended.
Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) suggested that the reason for that was so as to ward off the possibility of adding to the fast, and to hasten to obey the command of Allaah. Al-Fath, 2/446
Whoever does not have any dates may break his fast with anything that is permissible.
But on Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb not to eat anything until one comes back from the prayer, so he should eat from the udhiyah if he has offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.
3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid
This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).
It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/
Al-Daaraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Ibn ‘Umar would strive hard in reciting takbeer until he came to the prayer place, then he would recite takbeer until the imam came out.
Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121
Saying takbeer when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the imam came out was something that was well known among the salaf (early generations). This has been narrated by a number of scholars such as Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abd a l-Razzaaq and al-Firyaabi in Ahkaam al-Eidayn from a group of the salaf. For example, Naafi’ ibn Jubayr used to recite takbeer and was astonished that the people did not do so, and he said, “Why do you not recite takbeer?”
Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri (may Allaah have mercy on him) used to say, “The people used to recite takbeer from the time they came out of their houses until the imam came in.”
The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.
In the case of Eid al-Adha, the takbeer begins on the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of tashreeq.
Description of the takbeer:
It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he used to recite takbeer during the days of tashreeq:
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allaah is most great, and to Allaah be praise).
It was also narrated elsewhere by Ibn Abi Shaybah with the same isnaad, but with the phrase “Allaahu akbar” repeated three times.
Al-Mahaamili narrated with a saheeh isnaad also from Ibn Mas’ood: “Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbar wa ajallu, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is most Great and Glorified, Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).” See al-Irwa’, 3/126.
4 – Offering congratulations
The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.
It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.
Offering congratulations was something that was well known among the Sahaabah, and scholars such as Imam Ahmad and others allowed it. There is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the Sahaabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as when Allaah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and congratulated him for that, and so on.
Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics among the Muslims.
The least that may be said concerning the subject of congratulations is that you should return the greetings of those who congratulate you on Eid, and keep quiet if others keep quiet, as Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If anyone congratulates you, then respond, otherwise do not initiate it.
5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that ‘Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the market and brought it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, “Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of reward in the Hereafter)…” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 948.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.
It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756,
Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad that Ibn ‘Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid.
So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.
With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because they are only going out for the purpose of worship.
6 – Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.
It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 986.
It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.
And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in order to attend to the people’s needs, to answer their questions, teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.
And Allaah knows best.
Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid
Zakaat al-Fitr
Bismallaah Alhamdulillaah wasalaat wasalaamu ‘alaa rasool elllaah Ama Ba’ed:
May Allaah subhanahu wata’ala allow this to be for His and His sake only and may Muslims benefit from it.
Gathered questions and answers regarding Zakaat al-Fitr:
1) What is zakat al fitr?
Zakaat al-Fitr is a charity given at the end of Ramadhaan or the morning of the Eeid al-Fitr.
It was named Zakaat al-Fitr because it’s to be given when Muslims break their fast at the end of Ramadhaan.
2) When was Zakaat al-Fitr ordained?
It seems that it was ordained the same time Ramadhaan was ordained in the 2nd year of the Hijrah, because it’s a part of Ramadhaan, and we know not of any Ramadhaan the sahabah radia Allaahu ‘Anhum fasted in which they did not give Zakaat al-Fitr in.
3) Is this an ordain or a sunnah?
It is an “ordain” and a “must” without any doubt.
The Prophet sallah allaahu alieh wasalaam said in a hadeeth under the chain of Ibn ‘Umar radia Allaah ‘anh in both Bukhaaree and Muslim “The Prophet ordained Zakaat al-Fitr sa’ of dates or sa’ of wheat”
The hadeeth is clear in stating the Prophet sallah Allaahu alieh wasalaam “ordained”.
- Imaam Ibn al-Munther and others reported ijma’ (meaning consensus) and no dispute among scholars on this matter except by the Hanafi madh-hab which believe its a waajib and not fard, just a dispute in terms used but the end result is that all scholars believe its an ordain.
- It’s also said that the Verse “He is successful who groweth” [87:14] means Zakaat al-Fitr.
4) What’s the wisdom behind ordaining such a charity?
a. Purification of those who fasted from excessive gossip, evil talk, and backbiting which people constantly fall into. So the charity is a purification and forgiveness for that.
Ibn ‘Abbas radia Allaah ‘anhuma clearly informed us the purpose behind ordaining this charity when he said :(The Prophet sallah Allaahu alieh wasalaam ordered Zakaat al-Fitr purification for one who fasts from gossip and excessive talk during fasting as well as a charity for the poor). The hadeeth is narrated in Sunan Aboo Dawoud, Ibn Majah, al-Darqutny, and al-Hakem who said its authentic.
b.To help the poor so that eid will not come upon anyone needy or begging, and so they may enjoin the Muslims in their happiness and celebrations.
The Prophet sallah Allahu alieh wasalam said: (Keep them from going around begging this day), meaning give that charity so they will not go beg but rather enjoy this eid, be happy in it and place a smile on their faces.
5) What types of food do we give in charity for zakaat al-fitr?
You may give sa’ of dates, wheat, raisins, which are mentioned in hadith Aboo Sa’eed in both Bukhaaree and Muslim.
Scholars such as Ibn Taimieh said you can give that which is of the common food of the people of that time like some of the sahabah did.
6) I would like to give chocolate or coffee instead of wheat or rice?
What you give must be something one can survive from.
Equivalent to wheat for example would be rice, biryani or anything of its likes.
7) How much food in charity do I give?
We mentioned the term “sa3″ many times. That is one of the means they used to weigh food during the Prophets time Sallah allahu alieh wasalam.
“sa3″ would be to fill average hands combined together 4 times.
A “sa3″ is equivalent to (2.5 to 3) Kilograms or (5.5 to 6.5) pounds.
8) I do not want to give food as charity but rather give money equivalent to that amount of food, can I do that?
Note: To give a masjid, charity organization, a relative or someone you trust cash and currency to buy the food and give it for you is permissible because that is tawkeel.
Giving a charity, masjid, relative, or a poor cash currency instead of the categories of foods we mentioned is disputed and here is the breakdown:
1. The GREAT VAST majority of the ulama and imams is that it is NOT permitted for you to give zakat alfiter in currency but rather it MUST be given as food.
-Imam Ahmad rahimahu allah said: (I’m afraid it will not be accepted as zakat Alfitr)
-This is also the madhab of the great two Imams Malik and Shafey rahimahum allah.
-Imam Ibn Hazem Rahimahu Allah said:(It will not be accepted because that is what the Prophet Sallah Allahu Alieh waslam ordained).
Basically the Proof is that the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam ordered in all the hadith that food be given. And we all know that the prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam was given “jawame3 alkalem” which means eloquent and precise wording and phrasing; meaning he could have said give sa3 of food or something equivalent to that of gold and silver (dinar and dirham) which was known at that time yet he did not say that so we should stick to what he said.
2. Imam Abu Hanifa and Atta’ rahimahum allah said it is accepted to give zakat alfitr in Cash rather than food.
The proof for the second camp is that they resorted to the purpose of zakat elfitr which is to keep the poor from asking, and whatever keeps them from asking whether it may be food or currency is accepted.
Also, they said poor people may take the food and re-sell it for cheaper than it’s worth to get the currency so they end up not benefiting from the entire sa3 of food nor do they get it’s equivalent in currency.
I do find it important to stress how strong the first opinion is because their basis is strong in stating that the Prophet sallah Allahu alieh wasalam mentioned categories of food and not currency which they had, and which other charities like zakat almal must be given in.
This is a special zakat that should be given in the special way we were told to give it, namely food like the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam did, and more so all generations of the sahabah gave in food, not a single sahabah was known to have given currency instead of food.
*I presented both scholarly opinions and alhamdulillah this is a fiqh issue of Islaam which we can all get along with each other even if we disagree and it should not cause ill and hard feelings in our communities and masjids, especially in times like eid. We say like the pious previous imams mentioned in matters of dispute similar to this (Our opinion is correct which has the possibility of error in it, and our brothers are incorrect but it has the possibility of being correct).
9) Who must give Zakaat Alfitr?
Every single Muslim male and female, child or elder, poor or rich.
-The poor who must give are those who can spare a sa3 on themselves and those they are entrusted to support unless they will sleep hungry the night of eid if zakat alfitr is given.
-The man of the household is in charge of giving zakat alfiter on himself and those he is required to financially support starting with himself, his wife, his children, his mother then his father and the rest of those he spends and cares for.
- Hadith Ibn Umar in both Bukhari and Muslims said (The prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam ordered zakat el fiter in Ramadan on the free and on the salve, on the male and the female, on the young and the elder of the Muslims).
-In Hadith Tha3labah Ibn Aby Suer it’s similar to the previous hadith with the addition of (.. as well as every rich or poor Muslim, the rich allah will purify them, and the poor allah will return upon them more than that which they give). The hadith is in Aldarkutny.
-Some sahabah even said the parents should give for the infant in his mothers womb but did not say it was ordained to do so.
10) Who do I give it to?
The people you give this kind of zakaah are categorized in a verse in the Qur’aan: (The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.) 9:60.
The most category that should be given priority out of all those categories for zakat el fitr in particular are the (poor and needy) because the prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam told us the purpose was to fulfill their needs from asking that day.
11) I have relatives who are poor can I give them my zakat?
Yes, relatives who you are not REQUIRED to financially support and are poor deserve your zakah…
Those you are required to support are like the wife, and children.
A daughter who is married is not of the category that your required to support, therefore you may give the zakaat to her if she is in need.
12) When do I give zakaat el fitr?
It becomes an ordain upon you the night before the eid.
It can be given the night before the eid or two nights before that.
The BEST time to give it however, is just before the prayer of the eid.
-In Hadith Ibn Umar in the Bukhari and one similar in saheeh Muslim he said (and for it to be given before people begin heading for the prayer of the eid).
- Ibn Aby Shiabah narrated that Ibn Abbas said (from the sunnah is that zakat elfiter to be given before prayer)
-If it is given a day or two or even three before the eid it is permissible inshallah as Imam Alkharky said. Anything over that is not proper nor acceptable (as zakat elfitr) but will be considered a regular charity because it is so far from eid it no longer is attributed to eid (alfitr).
-You may give the zakaah in currency to someone early in Ramadan or anytime before that on the condition that they carry the task of physically purchasing the food and giving the zakah to the poor a few days before eid.
-You may also give the food to someone you trust days or weeks before the eid on the condition that it be given to the poor a few nights before the eid.
13) I live in the USA can I give my zakat in Palestine, Pakistan or India?
Zakaat elfiter and Zakaat al mal, should be given in the area you are a residing in the time eid occurs, unless there is an extreme circumstance that deprives you from that or there is no poor people in your area.
May allah subhanahu walatala accept our praying and fasting and allow us to be among those freed from hellfire.
Shaykh Ahmad Jibril
O Allaah! Hasten their release. Aameen.
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looooooooong post … i know.
‘Eid Mubaraak again !
[don't forget the "little" people... ever]