The Night Preceding 'Eid-ul-Fitr'
It had been the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that he would pray during the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. This night has been named in a Hadith as the Night of Reward (Lailatul Jaiza).
Almighty bestows his rewards on those who have spent the month of Ramadan abiding by the dictates of Shari'ah, and all their prayers in this night are accepted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform nafl prayers during this night. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have said: Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die. (Hadith-Ibn Majah) (His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption. It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious.)
SUNNATS OF EID:
It had been the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that he would pray during the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. This night has been named in a Hadith as the Night of Reward (Lailatul Jaiza).
Almighty bestows his rewards on those who have spent the month of Ramadan abiding by the dictates of Shari'ah, and all their prayers in this night are accepted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform nafl prayers during this night. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have said: Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die. (Hadith-Ibn Majah) (His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption. It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious.)
SUNNATS OF EID:
- Wake up early.
- Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah
- Brush your teeth. [use Miswaak]
- Dress up, putting on best clothes available.
- Use itr [perfume]
- Eat something sweet before proceeding to the Eid Musallah e.g. Dates etc.
- Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaatul-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
- Go to Eid Musallah (prayer ground) early.
- Offer Salaah-al-Eid in congregation in an Eid Musallah[open place] except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.Use different roads en route to the Eid Musallah and back home.
- Recite the following Takbir on the way to Eid Musallah -Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lallah.Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is greater, Allah is greater. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater, Allah is greater. And all praises are for Allah)
TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THE DAY OF EID:
Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah and uphold Shari’ah.
Adorn yourself and your family modestly in the best of garments (not necessarily new).
Should Eid be made at my mum or your mum or whoever?This requires Mashurah (mutual consultation).
Mashurah is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W).Try and accommodate each other.
Maintain and strengthen family bonds- Rasulullah (S.A.W) is reported to have said, “Anyone who wishes to have his means of livelihood enlarged and a prolonged life, should treats his relatives with kindness.”
Don’t forget the poor and needy- Hadhrat Anas (R.A) has reported Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) as saying,“For him who aids one who is distressed Allah will record seventy three acts of pardon, one of them compromising his whole well-being and seventy two being grades of rank for him on the day of resurrection.”