Eid-ul-Fitr and the Faithful
By N M Satti

EID-UL-FITR is linked with the Holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the month of fasting. In view of the great significance attached to this day of Eid, numerous traditions consisting of prayers and worship of God on this day, have been quoted from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his Ahl-al-Bait.

Taking a solemn bath (Ghusl) on the night preceding Eid is highly recommended (Sunnat). This is a night of great sanctity and profound virtues, and should be preferably spent in worship and prayer to God. Imam Zainul Abedin (R.A.) used to spend this whole night in devotion, and has said: “This night is as important as that of Shab-e-Qadr” (that is to say, the odd night towards the latter part of Ramadan when the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to our Holy Prophet [SAW]).

It is quoted from the Holy Prophet (SAW) that “one who offers six Rakat prayers on this night reciting in each Rakat Sura ‘Al-Hamd’ once and Sura ‘Qul Huwallah’ five times God will pardon his sins”. Haris Aawar narrates that Hazrat Ali (R.A.), on this night, after Maghrib prayers, used to offer two Rakats prayers.

In the first one he used to recite Sura ‘Al-Hamd’ once and Sura ‘Qul Huwallah’ one hundred times, and in the other both the Suras only once. After completion of the prayers he would bow his head in prostration and recite “Atubo Ellallah” 100 times and then would say, “I swear by one (God)! He has the sole command over my life”. Whoever will, in this way, offer two Rakats prayers, the Beneficent will positively fulfil any wish begged from Him. (Aamal-e-Shabe Eid Al-Fitr)

The conception of Eid in Islam is not confined only to celebration extravagance, luxurious feasts, friendly handshakes and embraces. The Muslims should rather devote this day to the worship of God and should beseech Him to approve their virtuous deeds and forgive their sins. This is because the doors of God’s pardon are kept open this day and His Blessings are bountiful. Once Imam Hassan (R.A.) noticed some folks in a most jovial mood merry making on the occasion of Eid.

He, turning to his companions said. “God has made this month of Ramadan, a course of action for His slaves to render their due homage to their Lord and earn His pleasure. Some of them who have fasted successfully reached their goal, and those who did not fast have lingered behind and have missed a golden opportunity. When reward is assured for fasting, how strange it is on the part of those who do not fast to indulge in idle pastimes.

I swear by God, if the curtains of Divination (Ghaib) wore to be lifted today, both the virtuous and the sinful could afford the physical sight of the rewards of their good and evil deeds respectively”.

Eid Prayers: It is considered by tradition to be an obligatory [Wajib - prayer, though technically it is an optional prayer with the injunction that it is preferable to offer even if optional (Sunnat-e-Muvakkadah)].

Ghusl (Purification Bath) on Eid day is sunnat, which should preferably be taken under a shelter and not under the open sky. Before offering Eid prayers it is recommended to have a breakfast of dates. The specified time of Eid prayer is between sunrise and the sun’s initial decline (Zawal). If this prayer happens to be missed it cannot be offered late as ‘Qaza’. Women are exempted from this prayer.

It is ‘Mustahab’ (recommended) to offer Eid prayers with two Kutbas. Takbir before Namaz-e-Eid: “Allaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaah wallaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Wa lillaahil hamd. Alhamdulillah alaa maa hadaanaa walahu Shukr alaa maa aulana.” The meaning of the above is: Allah is Great, Allah is Great there is no one worthy of prayer but Allah, and Allah is Great; Allah is Great, all praise be to Allah, it is He Who guides.”

This prayer consists of two Rakats. Niyyat (Intention) should be in these words: “I resolve to offer two Rakats Namaz-e-Eid, Sunnat Qurbatan Ellallah”. This should be followed by “Takbir” (Allah-Ho-Akber). In the first Rakat after Sura ‘Al-Hamd’, recite Sura ‘Ala’ or The Most High. Then five times Dua-e-Qunoot, followed by Ruku and then Sajda. Then up again for the second Rakat. In the second Rakat after Sura ‘Al-Hamd’ recite Sura ‘Shams’ or The Sun and four times ‘Dua-e-Qunoot’. After this the namaz should be completed like the Morning Prayer.

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint, (2:183) (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. (2:184)

Ramadan is the (month) in which was revealed the Holy Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).

So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. (2:185)●

© 2004 N M Satti