A Quick Guide to Eid al-Fitr
The Sunnah of Eid Prayers and Traditions
There are only two celebrations in the Islamic year: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, (respectively "Celebration of Breaking Fast" and "Celebration of Sacrifice"). There is no celebration of the birthday of any prophet or messenger, let alone for "regular folk" and no new year's celebrations (despite the practices of some Muslims who either out of ignorance or noncompliance partake in other celebrations despite the prohibition).
Much importance is attached to these two holidays for their religious significance as well as social and community benefits. The Eid celebrations also have a tendency to attract Muslims who otherwise are not active in the Muslim community, which brings a stronger sense of cohesiveness.
Traditions: First Things First
On the morning of Eid al-Fitr it is the Sunnah (tradition) to eat something. Narrated Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, "Allah's apostle (peace be upon him) never proceeded for the prayer on the Day of Eid al-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates". Anas also narrated: "The prophet, pbuh, used to eat an odd number of dates".
This act of eating in the morning before leaving the house is an important symbolic step as it is the day of breaking the Ramadan fast. Fasting on the day of either Eid is forbidden.
Heading to the Masjid (Mosque)
After eating dates or another small meal, it's time to head towards the place of prayer. Before leaving, it is recommended to spruce up and wear new clothes if available. If not, it is okay to wear any clean clothes and a nice scent. Of course, taking a shower would be appropriate.
It is reported that the Prophet, pbuh, used to take a different route going to the masjid than the route he would take returning.
The place where Eid prayers are held is not necessarily in a Masjid. Praying outside is customary if weather permits. This allows menstruating women to join in to hear the khutba (sermon), who would not have been able to attend in the musallah of the masjid. It also serves to bring unity between people that may go to different mosques and highlights the sense of the larger community.
The Prayer Itself
An Eid prayer is not one to be late for. Unlike the Friday sermons (khutbah), the prayer (Salat) is held before the khutah. Not only is the timing different, so is the way it is prayed. No nafl (voluntary) prayers are to be prayed after it and there is no adhan or iqama (call to stand for prayer)
The Imam will raise his hands and make 3 takbeers in a row, in between which, the followers make du'a (supplications and praise). After this the Imam will continue with Surat-Al-Fatiha (the first chapter of the Qur'an), and the rest of the raka is prayed as any other salat.
In the second raka, the Imam begins repeating the three Takbir's (glorifing the greatness of God), as per the first raka.
The Khutba (Sermon)
The khutba is made when the salat is over. Although it is not forbidden to leave at this time, the proper thing to do is to sit quietly and reverently to listen to the sermon. The Eid Khutba, consists of two parts, just like any other, except that each half begins with extra takbirs (glorifying the greatness of God).
If, for some reason, someone cannot be present for the Eid prayer, he or she can pray two regular Rakaat in its place.
page 2 (Celebrations on the Eid Day)
Translations of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari/Arabic-English, Volume II, Chapter of the Two Eids; Khan, Muhammad Muhsen; Islamic University, Medina Al-Munawara, 1981
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