One of the ways that Muslims celebrate Eid is by reciting takbir starting on the eve of Eid (based on the sighting of the moon) until the prayer for Eid has begun in the morning. You will probably hear it chanted on radios, Islamic channels on TV, your local mosque, and other similar places but it is sufficient for you to recite it yourself, and you don’t have to utter it out loud either.
The takbir for the Eid celebration goes as follows:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd.”
“Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god except Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah”
Eid al-Fitr Takbir: The Joyful Expression of Gratitude and Celebration
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Ghusl is a purifying bath that is prescribed to Muslims. Although it is obligatory on certain occasions, it is only mustahabb (strongly recommended) for other times, one such time being the day of Eid. Doing ghusl in the morning before heading for Eid Salah and looking our best is one of the ways in which Eid is celebrated by Muslims all around the world. We wear new clothes, perfume (for men), jewelry (for women) and present our best selves. If someone cannot afford to buy new clothes, then they should wear the best clothes available to them.
Eid Salah is one of the most important aspects of the day. There are many arguments about whether it is fard, mustahabb or sunnah; but one thing we can all agree on is that the best thing to do is offer Eid prayer.
Eid prayer consists of two rakats, the first containing seven takbirs, and the second, five. A khutbah (sermon) is conducted after the prayer has been completed. The sunnah of the prophet also states that it is best to offer Eid Salah in a congregation and in an open field or stadium. It is also a sunnah to take two different routes on your way to Eid prayer and then when coming back home.
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The Sunnah is to break your fast early in the morning with an odd number of dates before heading to Eid prayers, but you can also eat something else as well.
“Prophet (PBUH) did not go (to the place of prayer) in the morning on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr till he ate some dates, and he used to eat an odd number.” – [Sahih-Al-Bukhari]
Once returning from Eid prayers, enjoying delicious food is one of the ways how Muslims celebrate Eid. Tables filled with deliciously aromatic, colorful, and flavorful sweet and savory dishes are spread out in every house to be enjoyed with family while thanking Allah for providing such a bountiful meal.
Zakat (charity) is one of the pillars of Islam, just as sawm (fasting) is. One of the things to remember for Eid day is to make sure that you fulfill your obligations and give zakat. It is something that is prescribed to Muslims during Ramadan, and there are clear and concise rules on how to calculate the amount you are liable to donate. So, make sure you have done your part to help the less fortunate before Eid arrives!
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Although giving Zakat is obligatory (fard), Sadaqa is not. But that doesn’t mean you should not do it as Sadaqa is one of the most rewarding acts a Muslim can commit. Even though you are able to afford beautiful new clothes, amazing food, and elaborate gifts, you must also remember those that are not as lucky as you. Help them out by providing them with an Eid meal, new clothes for the children, or anything else that would benefit them.
And remember that charity (Sadaqa) begins at home. Give your friends, family, and children gifts; a definite way to make this Eid special for your family. Check out HalalTrip’s “10 Eid Gift Giving Ideas” article for some suggestions on what presents to buy.
Another important thing that you should do to celebrate Eid is visit friends, family, and neighbors. Greet them with salaam, wish them ‘Eid Mubarak’, and share the joy of this auspicious day with them. This creates a bond between families and communities. One of the things to remember for Eid day is to make sure to visit those who are ill and the elderly. Men are also encouraged to visit the graveyard to pay respects to those dear to them who are no longer here.
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Ramadan is a time when all of us strive to be on our best behavior, as Muslims and human beings in general. Just because the holy month has come to an end and it is time to celebrate does not mean that you should let that stop you from continuing on this path.
Realistically, you might not be able to dedicate as much time to praying, reciting, doing dhikr and ibadah as you did during Ramadan. But that’s fine. You just need to make sure that you do not give up on all your good habits entirely, and that you come out of this Ramadan a better person, spiritually and overall, than you were in the beginning of the month.
