Eid Mubarak

SUNNAH of EID
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Bathing, perfume and best clothes
Imam Ibn Qudamah said, “It is preferred to purify oneself by bathing for Eid. Ibn Umar used to bathe on the day of Fitr. This is also reported upon Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) (Al-Mughnee, 2/370)

Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “He (peace be upon him) would wear his best clothes when proceeding to the two Eids and the day of jum ‘ah.” (Zaad-ul-Ma’aad, 1/441)

Eating before prayer
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah would not set out in the morning of Eid-Al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates.” (Bukhari)

Takbeer in the Eids
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to emerge on the day of Eid-Al-Fitr and say the Takbeer up until he reached the Musallaa and up until he had performed the prayer. So when he had performed the prayer he stopped saying the Takbeer. (Silsilatul Ahadeeth As-Saheehah, 170)

Ibn Mas’ud RA used to say: “Allahu-Akbar. Allahu-Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallah. Wa-Allahu Akbar. Allahu-Akbaar. Wa lillaahil-Hamd” (Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is none who has the right to be worshipped except Allah. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)

Different route to and fro the Musallaa
Jabir Bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “When it was the day of Eid the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to alter his route (of returning).” (Bukhari)

Greeting
The companions when they met each other on Eid would say:“Taqabbala Allaaha minnaa wa minkum” May Allah accept it (the worship) from you and us. (Fath Al-Bari)

Eid Gifts

I got this lovely gift idea from KiLLa - http://killa.co.za/blog/

These are to be given to my parents and some family as well as the in-laws....I still have to add the labels which I will do so tonight!

The Beauty of Eid

The Beauty of Eid

Every Muslim loves the day of Eid. For a moment let us explore why Eid is such a joyous and special occasion.

1. Sadaqatul Fitr

Muslims are commanded to spend on the less fortunate prior to the Eid Salaah as a token of gratitude to Allah for all that He provides. Sadaqatul Fitr is a special gift to the poor allowing them to enjoy Eid as well. It seeks to build a community by breaking the barriers between rich and poor. By relieving the suffering of the less fortunate one feels an inner contentment.

2. Eid Salaah

Allah has prescribed a special prayer on the day of Eid which is characterized by a number of unique features. There is no Azaan and Iqaamah. There are a number of extra takbeers which are recited. A khutbah follows the Salaah. This uniqueness and the fact that the day begins with a prayer teaches Muslims an important lesson : Even the days of celebration in Islam are linked to worship. Unlike other nations and cultures Islam does not celebrate with music, dancing, liquor and frivolous entertainment. The spirit of Islamic celebration is filled with worship love, serenity and spirituality. Eid Salaah is a reminder to Muslims that although the compulsory fasting has ended but the relationship with Allah can never end. This is a link and bond based on love and obedience to the beloved.

3. A few thoughts on the Day of Eid

When we and our children wear new clothes and shoes on Eid morning, let us think of the thousands of Muslim children who are wearing filthy and torn rags.

When we enjoy the tasty treats and delicacies of Eid, let us spare a thought for the millions of Muslims who will have bread crumbs.

Appreciate freedom on the day of Eid. Spare a thought for the thousands of Muslims languishing under unspeakable conditions in prisons all over the world.

When we walk to the Eidgaah remember that there are other Muslims who are walking to the battlefield to defend the deen of Islam.

Spare a few quiet moments on this Day of Eid to make Dua for our innocent brothers and sisters who are being tortured all over the world for no crime other than the fact that they are bearers of the kalimah Laa Ilaaha illallaah Muhammadur Rasoolullah.

Filled with such thoughts and duas can we really justify going to un-Islamic places. Apart from the shameless dressing, fashion parading, intermingling of the sexes, music and pride which comes with this there is a serious misrepresentation of the auspicious day of Eid to the non-Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability of using the day in conformance with the teachings of Islam. True joy and contentment is only in remaining within the bounds of Islam. Celebrating in ways which are alien to Islam only brings disgrace.

4. Sunnats of Eid

Make this a checklist for Eid Morning :

- Awake very early in the morning
- Use a miswaak
- Have a bath
- Dress in one's best available clothes ensuring that it conforms with Shariah
- Use itr
- Eat a sweet dish (preferably dates before the Eid Salaah)
- Go early to the Eid Salaah
- Discharge Sadaqatul Fitr before going to the Eid Salaah
- Offer the Eid Salaah at the Eidgaah / Musallah
- Return from the Eid Salaah taking a route that is different from the one that was taken when going
- Go to the Eid Salaah on foot. However, there is no harm in using any means of conveyance if the Eid Musallah is a distance away
- Recite the following takbeer in a low voice while proceeding for the Eid prayer :
Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar Walilaahil Hamd

Ramadaan 1429 - Moon Sightings for Eid

The Astronomical New Moon is on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 8:12 GMT, 4:12 am EDT, 1:12 am PDT). It will not be visible on September 29 except small possibility in Polynesian Islands. On Tuesday, September 30, it will be visible in New Zealand Australia, Indonesia, South Asia, Africa and Americas. In North America on September 30, it can be seen in Southern belt states. So, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected on Wednesday, October 1, most of the world, Inshallah. Also, according to Saudi Ummul-Qura calendar, Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Shawwal is on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

In UK moon cannot be sighted on Sep 29 or Sep 30, 2008. Sighting in UK could only be on October 1. However a new Fatawa from Deoband, India, is that even if moon is seen in as far south as South Africa, UK will accept that sighting. According to this criterion Eid in UK will be on October 1, Inshallah, because the moon should be easily visible in Australia and South Africa on September 30.

In Pakistan, moon may not be seen on September 30, except by high powered telescope. So, Eid in Pakistan is expected to be on October 2, 2008.

Sighting Reports

September 29, 2008 (Monday):

No sighting reports are expected, because we hardly get any sighting reports from Polynesian Island or South America.

September 30, 2008 (Tuesday)