How to's of Eid day and Eid ul-Fitr Salat

The first day of the tenth Islamic lunar month, Shawwal, is Eid ul-Fitr. It marks the end of Ramadan, and it is a day of celebration and thanks to God. Most Muslims celebrate Eid for at least three days. Here is what the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, used to do on the day of Eid (his Sunnahs). 

1. Rise early in the morning.

2. Take a full bath.

3. Clean the teeth.

4. Wear the best clothes that he had.

5. Wear perfume.

6. Eat something sweet, like dates, before leaving home.

7. Go to the Eid prayer location very early. (The Prophet used to offer Eid prayer in a central location. That is, he did not offer it in a mosque of a locality without any legitimate excuse).

8. The Prophet used to go to the Eid prayer location by one route and would return using another route.

9. He used to go to Eid prayers on foot.

10. He used to chant slowly, on the way to the Eid prayer location, the following words: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd." (Translation: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. And to Him is all praise and thanks). 

11. The Prophet used to give Zakat-ul-Fitr before Eid day. This is an amount of charity paid, usually to a local mosque or organization, that helps Muslims of lesser means  celebrate Eid. But if you have not done so, please give now before the Eid prayer. (Giving it right before Eid prayer is fine, but it is against the spirit and the purpose of it). Contact your local Masjid to find out how much to pay for this year. 

Method of Eid prayers

Eid Salat (prayer) consists of two Rakat (units of prayer) with six Takbeers (saying of the words “Allahu akbar”, which means God is the Greatest) in a congregation of Muslims. This is  followed by the Khutba (sermon) of Eid. This is how it is performed:

• Follow the Imam by raising both hands up to the ears and say “Allahu Akbar”. This is the first Takbeer to enter into the Salat

• Then fold your hands in the front and recite the ‘Sanaa', the opening Dua of prayer that is also said in the five daily prayers (“Subhaana kallahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabara kasmuka wa ta’ala jadduka, la ilaha ghayruk)

• Then say “Allahu Akbar” thrice, following the Imam, each time raising both hands up to the ears and dropping them to your sides. After each Takbeer there will be a slight pause in which “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to God) may be recited thrice

• After the third Takbeer the hands should be folded and worshippers listen to the Imam reciting Surah al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah

• Then, following the Imam, perform Ruku (bending forward and putting the hands on the knees)

• Then go to Sujood (prostration) as usual following your Imam’s Takbeer.

• In the second Rakat the Imam will first recite Surah al-Fatiha, followed by another other Surah. Then, he will say three Takbeers after this. In all three Takbeers, the hands will not be folded, but dropped after each Takbeer

• Then go into Ruku just after the fourth Takbeer

• Complete the rest of the prayer as you would normally complete a prayer of two Rakat

• Listen to the Khutbah after the Eid Salat. It is Wajib (compulsory)

(The above method is based on the Hanafi school of Islamic thought, which is followed by about 75% of Muslims around the world)