14 things to remember for Eid day
by Sound Vision Staff Writer
If the focus of Eid this
year for you and your family is making it special, emphasizing the build-up
to and the actual Eid prayer also requires preparation.
Here are some tips, etiquettes
and points to remember for Eid day to make it happy and comfortable for all.
1. Prepare all clothes,
maps, etc. one day in advance
Looking for the map of how
to get to the Eid prayer area once you're in the car headed there is not a good
idea. You may discover it's missing. That's why you need to check that you have
all the necessary information about how to reach your destination one day in
advance. This way, you have enough time to call for directions or buy a map.
Similarly, all clothes should
be ironed the night before, since there may not be time the day of Eid, or there
may be too much of a rush for the iron.
Setting the Eid table should
also be done in advance, especially considering it's Eid and you want the
table to look nice. It's hard to do that when you're in a rush to get to
Eid prayers on time.
2. Share children's responsibilty
Decide which kids will go
with which parent the day before Eid prayers. Too often, fathers dump the entire
responsibility for taking care of the children on mothers' shoulders. The situation
often becomes unmanageable as moms may not be able to watch all of the kids.
Fathers need to take some of this responsibility.
One way of doing this is
by separating the siblings who fight the most. Another is by keeping the girls
with mom and the boys with dad. Or babies (birth to three years) with mom and
kids (four to seven-years-old) with dad. Every family is unique so parents will
have to decide how to split up the kids. Regardless of how it's done, the point
is to reduce disruption for parents and for others and to keep the kids in tow.
3. Talk to the kids about
proper behavior
Explain to them before going
that while Eid is a time of happiness, fun and celebration, it is not appropriate
to run, jump, shout and play hide-and-seek with other kids at the prayer place.
Throw in an enticing reward (i.e. a promise to go out for ice cream or the park
later that day if they behave) may also encourage kids to save the fun and games
for after prayers.
Also explain that they must
sit still and be quiet during the explanation of the prayer, during the prayer
(if they are not praying) and the Khutbah that follows. Advise them to whisper
in Mommy or Daddy's ear if they need anything and must talk to them.
4. Take a bag to put
your shoes in
This way, you can freely
move around if necessary to straighten up your line in prayer, since you won't
be worrying about where you've put your shoes. Have each family member make
their own bag if there's time, and get the younger kids to decorate theirs.
Everyone should put their initials on the bag and remember to carry it with
them at all times.
5. Take your Musallas
with you to pray
Although arrangements are
usually made to have a sheet or paper to pray on, encourage everyone in your
family to bring their own, just in case.
6. Say the Takbirat in
the car
In particular, have the
younger kids lead it with everyone else following. This way, their energy and
excitement will dissipate and they won't be so hyper at the Eid prayer place.
7. Go in the first line
of prayer
For men, this is the best
place to be if you want to catch the Imam's explanation of prayers, his Khutbah,
as well as any other announcements.
Sadly, it's also the place
where there is a greater chance prayer lines will be straight (things just start
to deteriorate further down in the back).This is a tendency in both the men
and women's sections.
8. Be quiet while the
Imam is explaining how to pray
If Maryam, a new Muslim
sister, is trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer, she can't exactly
do that if Hafsa on her right is gabbing incessantly with her friends. Out of
respect for others, we should be silent or at least whisper if necessary so
we don't disturb others who are trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer.
9. Straighten your lines
in prayer
Make sure to stand shoulder
to shoulder and in straight lines facing the Qibla for the Eid prayer.
10. Be quiet during the
Khutbah
After the Eid prayer, the
Imam will give a brief Khutbah. It is highly encouraged to stay and listen to
it. Even if we do have to get up and leave, we should do so as quietly as possible
so as not to disturb those who are listening.
11. Greet those whom
you know and those you don't
Say Salam and hug the person
next to you once the Khutbah is over. Isn't it ironic that we stand so physically
close to someone in prayer (shoulder to shoulder) but completely ignore them
once it's over? Hug your prayer neighbor and at least wish them Eid Mubarak.
If they are alone, invite
them over or get their phone number and inform them of any Eid activities that
are coming up in your community. They may be new
to the community and know nobody, so be as open and friendly as possible.
Abdullah ibn Amr narrated
that a man once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what aspect
of Islam was the best, and he said: You should provide food, and greet both
those you know and those you do not (Bukhari, Muslim).
12. Contribute to the
arrangement of the Eid prayers
Some places may pass around
a box or bag seeking donations to cover the cost of renting the Eid prayer place.
Give generously, since it normally costs thousands of dollars and the more the
Muslim community gives, the faster Eid prayer organizers can pay back the amount.
13. Look for the Muslim
leadership and congratulate them
How often do you see Muslims
thanking their leaders, those poor people who work so hard for the community
with minimal to no pay. Seek these people out and give them your Eid greetings.
Thank them for all of their hard work for the community.
14. Get the family to
help out with clean up
See if the family can volunteer
to help clean up the prayer area after everyone has left. This is also a time
when you may see Muslims who don't have family in the community or are new Muslims.
Greet them and invite them over or at least inform them of any upcoming Eid
activities.
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