By Kabir Alabi Garba

In the name of the Almighty, the Beneficent, the Merciful

“You have in the Messenger of God an excellent example, for those who hope for God and the Last Day and remember God much.” Qur’an 33 verse 21

Rituals of Eid-el-Fitr and six days of fasting in Shawwal

Eid Mubarak. Taqabalallahu minna wa minkum.
Brethren, congratulations for the completion of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. As Muslims file out today to observe the eid prayer, it is important to note that the worship is guided by certain rules enunciated by the Prophet. Principally, Muslims are enjoined to prepare to observe the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. This includes the plan to wake up very early in the morning; observe the tahajjud – midnight prayer – (regularly observed during Ramadan and regarded as a virtue Muslims should endeavour to sustain after Ramadan), and in keeping with the Sunnah, taking a bath before Fajr prayers and putting on new clothes (or the best available) are meritorious deeds. It is sunnah for men to use perfume not only on Eid days but always. It is not allowed for Muslims to fast on this day. They are expected to take a light breakfast before setting out to the praying ground.

Muslims are expected to set out early for the eid prayer ground. While going there, engagement in much glorification of The Almighty is recommended. Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centres, etc. or at mosques. There is usually no Adhan (call to Prayer) or Iqamah (call) for the prayers because they are nawafil – supererogatory prayers.

To listen to the khutbah (sermon) of eid is a necessary requirement (wajib). Thus, it is not proper, as is usually the case, for someone to leave the prayer ground while the khutbah is being delivered. It is equally forbidden to talk, walk about or offer prayer while the sermon is being delivered.

It should also be noted that it is in the tradition of the Prophet (SAW) that Muslims give out Sadaqat-ul-fitr preferably before the eid prayers are observed. It is usually paid for and on behalf of all Muslims in a household, the young and the old. It may be paid in kind and this may feature three to four seers of wheat, barley, rice or any staple food (Sahih Bukhari 24:70).

Lately, Muslim scholars have addressed the necessity of monetizing this act of worship based on existential necessities. At various Islamic centres across the country, announcement is regularly made of a certain amount of money to be paid by individuals in lieu of giving Sadaqat ul-Fitr out in kind. This falls under the legal rubric – maslahat al-Ammah – the promotion of the public convenience. Whether it is given out in cash or in kind, the more important issue is the intention behind the act.

The intention should be the extension of the happiness of the occasion to brethren who are experiencing adversity. The point is that those with wherewithal should desire for their brothers and sisters the same quality of life the like of which the Almighty has been kind to grant unto them.

Another meritorious act of worship recommended for Muslims immediately after fasting in the month of Ramadan is what is termed: Sita-sh-Shawwal (Six Days of Shawwal) on which the Prophet (SAW) was reported to have said: “He who observes the fast throughout Ramadan and then follows it up with observing the fast on the first six days of Shawwal is as if he had observed the fast throughout the year.” (Muslim). However, it has been clarified by scholars that the six days of fasting can be observed in the month of Shawwal, it does not have to be the first six days of the month.

“O Allah! Let us complete the month of Ramadan in such a manner to meet Your satisfaction; spare us from Your punishment and the Fire of Hell and let our final abode be in Your Paradise. O Allah! Let us live to fast Ramadan for many years to come and many times to elapse. O Allah! Accept our fasting and prayers during the Holy Month; forgive our mistakes and sins and help us observe Your commands to be prepared for what is to come. O Allah! Let us be steadfast in the right path all the time, whether during Ramadan or beyond Ramadan.” Aameen!