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After a month of fasting, reflection, and devotion during Ramadan, the arrival of Eid al-Fitr is a moment of immense joy and gratitude. It’s not just a festival; it’s a profound spiritual culmination and a gift from Allah (SWT). But how do we celebrate this day in a way that honours its significance and follows the beautiful example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

This guide goes beyond a simple checklist. We will explore the Sunnah of Eid al-Fitr, framing it as the ‘first day of the rest of your year’—a chance to apply the spiritual discipline from Ramadan and launch a year of sustained faith. Let’s make this Eid a truly blessed and meaningful one.

What is Eid al-Fitr? A Day of Gratitude and Celebration

Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the successful completion of Ramadan. It is a day to thank Allah (SWT) for the strength He gave us to fast, pray, and grow spiritually. It’s a day of community, forgiveness, and feasting, where Muslims around the world come together to share their happiness and express gratitude for His blessings.

The Essential Prerequisite: Paying Zakat al-Fitr

Before we even discuss the celebrations of Eid day, there is a crucial duty to fulfill: Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Fitrana). This is an obligatory charity paid by every Muslim who has the means, on behalf of themselves and their dependents.

Its purpose is twofold:

  • For the completion of one’s fast and compensation for any shortcomings in his acts or speech
  • To ensure the poor and needy can also celebrate Eid without having to worry about their next meal.

When to Pay: The deadline for Zakat al-Fitr is before the Eid prayer begins. It is highly recommended to pay it a day or two in advance to ensure it reaches those in need in time for the celebration. You can easily fulfil your obligation and ensure your contribution reaches the most vulnerable here.

Preparing for Eid Day: Sunnah Acts for a Blessed Morning

The spirit of Eid begins from the moment you wake up. Following these Sunnah acts helps set a tone of reverence and joy for the day ahead.

Sunnah 1: Performing Ghusl (Ritual Purification)

Begin your Eid morning with a Ghusl, a full ritual bath. This act symbolises spiritual cleansing and preparing your body and soul for the special day of worship and celebration. It is a physical act of purification that reflects a state of inner purity.

Sunnah 2: Adorning Yourself in Your Best Attire

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would wear his best clothes on Eid. This isn’t about extravagance but about showing respect for the day and expressing gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Wearing new or clean clothes is an outward manifestation of the inner joy and renewal felt after Ramadan.

Sunnah 3: Eating Dates Before Leaving for Prayer

It was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH) not to leave for the Eid al-Fitr prayer without first eating some dates. He would eat an odd number, like three, five, or seven. This act signifies that the month of fasting has concluded and that we are now celebrating the bounty provided by Allah (SWT).

Sunnah 4: Reciting the Eid Takbirat Loudly and Proudly

From the night before Eid until the Imam begins the Eid prayer, it is a Sunnah to recite the Takbirat. Men should recite it audibly, while women should recite it softly. This powerful chant fills the air with praise for Allah and proclaims His greatness, uniting the community in a shared expression of faith.

The Takbirat is:

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illallāh. Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar. Wa lillāhil-hamd.

(Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. And to Allah belongs all praise.)

How to Perform the Eid al-Fitr Prayer: A Step-by-Step Guide

The congregational Eid prayer is the central event of the day. There is a difference of opinion between scholars who say a highly recommended Sunnah for men, women, and children to attend, and others who say it is an obligation to attend. Here’s how Eid Salah should beperformed:

Step 1: The Niyyah (Intention) in Your Heart

Before you begin, make the intention in your heart to perform the Eid prayer for the sake of Allah.

Step 2: The First Rak’ah (Unit) with 7 Takbirs

  1. Begin the prayer with the opening Takbir (Allāhu Akbar) followed by the opening supplication (Dua al-Istiftah).
  2. Then, say an additional seven Takbirs, raising your hands with each one.
  3. After the seventh Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah (it is recommended to recite Surah Al-A’la).
  4. Complete the rest of the Rak’ah as you would in a normal prayer (Ruku, Sujood).

Step 3: The Second Rak’ah (Unit) with 5 Takbirs

  1. Rise for the second Rak’ah.
  2. Before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, say an additional five Takbirs, raising your hands with each one.
  3. After the fifth Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah (it is recommended to recite Surah Al-Ghashiyah).
  4. Complete the Rak’ah and the prayer with the Tashahhud and Tasleem.

Step 4: Listening to the Khutbah (Sermon)

After the prayer is completed, the Imam delivers a two-part sermon (Khutbah). It is a Sunnah to stay and listen to the Khutbah, as it contains important reminders and supplications.

After the Prayer: Sunnah for a Joyful Community Celebration

The blessings of Eid extend beyond the prayer ground. These community-focused Sunnah practices help spread the joy and strengthen bonds.

Sunnah 5: Offering Greetings (‘Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum’)

As you meet fellow Muslims, exchange greetings. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ would say to each other:

“Taqabbal Allahu Minna wa Minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you).

This beautiful supplication wishes for the acceptance of the good deeds performed during Ramadan.

Sunnah 6: Taking a Different Route Home

It was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ to go to the Eid prayer by one route and return by another. The wisdom behind this is said to be:

  • To greet a larger number of people.
  • To have the different paths bear witness for you on the Day of Judgement.
  • To display the symbols of Islam throughout the community.

Sunnah 7: Celebrating with Family, Friends, and the Needy

Eid is a time for togetherness and upholding family ties, and kinship is one of the greatest deeds. Visit family, share meals, exchange gifts, and most importantly, remember those less fortunate. The joy of Eid is incomplete if it is not shared. Include the poor, orphans, and lonely in your celebrations to truly embody the spirit of the day.

Beyond One Day: How to Carry the Ramadan Spirit Forward

Eid is not the finish line; it’s a launchpad. The self-discipline we cultivated in Ramadan should now translate into our daily lives for the rest of the year. This is the time we developed personally, spiritually, and as a community, to be recharged to face the test of the world until the next Ramadan.

From Fasting to Feasting: A Test of Gratitude

After a month of controlling our desires, Eid tests our gratitude. Celebrate within the bounds of Islam, avoiding extravagance and wastefulness. Let your feasting be an expression of thanks to Allah for His provision, not a lapse back into heedlessness.

Maintaining Your Connection to the Masjid and Qur’an

Don’t let your relationship with the Masjid and the Qur’an fade after Ramadan. Strive to maintain the good habits you built. Continue with voluntary fasts, such as the six days of Shawwal, and keep up with your daily prayers and Qur’an recitation. Let the momentum from the holy month propel you forward in your faith for the rest of the year. Continue the spirit of giving by supporting community projects, like those in the Al-Ihsan Foundation’s projects list.

Eid al-Fitr FAQ: Your Questions Answered

  1. What is the Sunnah way to celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

    The Sunnah way involves performing Ghusl, wearing your best clothes, eating dates before the prayer, reciting the Takbirat, attending the congregational Eid prayer, listening to the Khutbah, greeting others with ‘Taqabbal Allahu Minna wa Minkum’, and taking a different route home.

  2. How do you pray the Eid prayer step by step?

    The Eid prayer is two Rak’ahs. The first Rak’ah has seven extra Takbirs after the opening Takbir and before reciting Al-Fatiha. The second Rak’ah has five extra Takbirs after rising from Sujood and before reciting Al-Fatiha.

  3. What do you say during the Eid prayer?

    Between the extra Takbirs, you can remain silent or say praises of Allah, such as ‘Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar’. The main recitations are the Takbirs themselves, Surah Al-Fatiha, and another Surah in each Rak’ah.

  4. Is it mandatory to listen to the Eid Khutbah (sermon)?

    While the prayer itself is a highly emphasised Sunnah (some scholars say it is obligatory), staying to listen to the Khutbah is also part of the Sunnah. It is strongly recommended to stay and benefit from the sermon.

  5. Can I pray the Eid prayer at home?

    The Sunnah is to pray it in a congregation, preferably in an open space (musalla) or a mosque. If one is unable to attend the congregation, it can be prayed at home, but the congregational aspect and the Khutbah would be missed.

  6. What do you do if you miss the congregational Eid prayer?

    If you miss the congregational prayer, you can pray two Rak’ahs at home in the same manner (with the extra Takbirs), but there will be no Khutbah.

  7. What are you supposed to do the night before Eid?

    The night before Eid is a time of worship and preparation. It is a Sunnah to begin reciting the Takbirat from sunset on the last day of Ramadan until the Eid prayer. It’s also a time to finalise your Zakat al-Fitr payments and prepare your clothes for the morning.

  8. When does the time for the Eid prayer begin and end?

    The time for the Eid prayer begins shortly after sunrise (approximately 15-20 minutes after) and lasts until the time of Dhuhr prayer begins (midday).