Eid al-Fitr brings relief and gratitude after a month of fasting. It comes every year with renewed joy, reminding believers that Islamic celebrations have deep roots in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Below is a comprehensive exploration of rulings, practices, and important details about Eid al-Fitr.
Definition of Eid (عيد)
Linguistic Meaning of Eid
Ustadh AbdulRahman Hassan begins by clarifying the definition of the word “Eid.” He cites classical scholars of the Arabic language to show how the name itself indicates repeated joy:
- Ibn Faris explains that Eid refers to كل يوم مجمع—every day of gathering that repeats.
- Khalil connects the term Eid with عاد يعود, implying something that returns (يعود) each year.
- Ibn al-Arabi says: "سمي العيد عيدا لأنه يعود كل سنة بفرح مجدد" - Meaning, Eid is called Eid because it comes back every year with renewed joy.
- Al-Azhari states: "والعيد عند العرب الوقت الذي يعود فيه الفرح" - So, according to the Arabs, Eid is a time when happiness returns.
Thus, linguistically, Eid is any recurring day of gathering that brings joy and repeats year after year.
The Foundation of Eid in Islam
Evidence from Qur’an, Sunnah, and Consensus
- Ibn Qudamah (رحمه الله) says in al-Mughni:
الأصل في صلاة العيد الكتاب والسنة والإجماع
“The foundation of the Eid prayer is found in the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the consensus (ijma‘) of the scholars.” (Mughni: 2/111)
- Qur’an: Ustadh cites فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ [Surah al-Kawthar (108:2)]. According to many scholars of tafsir, “فصل لربك” (pray to your Lord) can be understood as referring to the Eid prayer.
- Sunnah: Eid prayer is established by mutawatir (mass-transmitted) narrations from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم). One example is the hadith of Ibn Abbas (رضي الله تعالى عنهما), where he said he witnessed the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), Abu Bakr, and Umar praying Eid before the khutbah. Ibn Abbas also mentioned that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) prayed Eid without adhan or iqamah ( Sahih Bukhari: 979, 5249).
- Consensus (Ijma‘): Ibn Qudamah and others transmitted a consensus that Eid prayers (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are legislated in Islam. (Mughni:2/111)
Hadith of Replacing the Jahili Celebrations
Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrates that when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) came to Madinah, people had two days of celebration from the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period).
He asked them: “مَا هَذَانِ الْيَوْمَانِ؟”
They replied, “We used to play in these days before Islam.”
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) then said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَبْدَلَكُمْ بِهِمَا مَا هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُمَا، يَوْمُ الْأَضْحَى وَيَوْمُ الْفِطْرِ
“Allah has replaced these two days with something better: the Day of Adha and the Day of Fitr.”
This hadith is narrated by Imam Abu Dawood: 1134 and graded Hasan by Shaykh al-Albani.
Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) mentions in Fath al-Bari that the first Eid the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) prayed in Madinah was in the second year after the Hijrah. Hence, both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—along with their prayers—are established in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and by consensus.
Recommended Acts on the Day of Eid
1. Ghusl (الاغتسال)
It is recommended (mustahabb) to take a ritual bath (ghusl) on Eid day. Nafi‘, the freed slave of Ibn Umar, narrated that Abdullah ibn Umar would perform ghusl on Eid al-Fitr before heading out to the prayer area.
- Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani (رحمه الله) said:
الغُسْلُ يَوْمَ الْعِيدِ حَسَنٌ وَلَيْسَ بِوَاجِبٍ
“Ghusl on the day of Eid is good, but it is not obligatory.”He cites Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله) in support of this view. (Muwatta Malik narrated by Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani: 48)
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr (رحمه الله) mentioned that Abdullah ibn Umar, Sa‘id ibn al-Musayyib, Sanib ibn Abdullah, and ‘Ubaydullah ibn Abdullah would shower on Eid day and encourage others to do the same. (Istizkar: 7/10)
Ibn Rushd also conveyed a consensus among scholars that it is recommended to shower for the two Eid prayers. (Bidayatul Mujtahid: 1/227)
2. Wearing One’s Best Clothes
It is recommended to wear one’s best clothing for Eid. Although not obligatory, dressing well honors the day and reflects the joy that characterizes Eid.
3. Eating Before the Eid Prayer
On Eid al-Fitr in particular, it is a Sunnah to eat dates (or something else) before going out to pray.
Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) said the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would not leave on the morning of Eid al-Fitr before eating dates. He would eat them in odd numbers (3, 5, 7, etc.). (Sahih Bukhari: 953)
Ibn Hajar mentions in Fath al-Bari the words of al-Muhallab, explaining that the wisdom is to avoid someone thinking they might still be fasting. It is prohibited to fast on Eid day, so eating before going out to pray clarifies that Ramadan has ended.
The Time of the Eid Prayer
Ibn Battal transmits a consensus that Salat al-Eid is neither prayed before the sun rises nor while it is rising. Instead, it should be offered after the sun has completely risen—essentially during the time one can pray Salat al-Duha—and remains valid until Zawal (midday), which is before Dhuhr time. (Sharh Saheeh al-Bukhari:2/560)
- Ibn Rushd says in Bidayat al-Mujtahid (vol.1 pg. 229)
وَاتَّفَقُوا عَلَىٰ أَنَّ وَقْتَهَا مِنْ شُرُوقِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ الزَّوَالِ
"That is, the Eid prayer can be performed any time from sunrise (after the sun is fully up) until the sun reaches its zenith."
The Takbeer of Eid (التكبير في العيدين)
1. When Does the Takbeer Begin?
For Eid al-Fitr, the Takbeer begins after sunset on the eve before Eid (i.e., the moment Ramadan is declared over).
- This is based on the verse:
وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ
"... and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu Akbar; Allâh is the Most Great] for having guided you..." (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:185)
Imam ash-Shafi‘i mentions in al-Umm (vol.1 pg. 265) that people should begin doing Takbeer on the night of Eid al-Fitr (the night before the Eid day), starting from Maghrib, and continue until the Imam comes out for the Eid prayer. At that point, they stop.
For Eid al-Adha, Takbeer extends through Ayyam al-Tashriq (the three days following Eid al-Adha), often done after each obligatory prayer. In contrast, Eid al-Fitr Takbeer ends once the Eid prayer begins.
2. How to Perform the Takbeer
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) mentions three main views: (Al-Sharh Al-Mumti’ vol.5 pg. 225)
- Shaf‘ (Even Number):
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ. وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa Lillah il-hamd
- Witr (Odd Number):
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu akbar, Wallahu akbar, Wallahu akbar wa Lillah il-hamd
- Combination
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu akbar, Wallahu akbar wa Lillah il-hamd
All are acceptable ways of saying the Takbeer, and there is flexibility in this matter.
Women Attending the Eid Prayer
- Umm ‘Atiyyah (رضي الله عنها) said:
أَمَرَنَا (تَعْنِي النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) أَنْ نَخْرُجَ فِي الْعِيدَيْنِ
“He (the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) commanded us to go out for the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).” (Sahih Muslim: 890)
Even women who usually remain at home (الْخُدُور), and those on their menses (الْحُيَّض), should attend—though those who are menstruating keep a distance from the actual prayer area.
Some scholars view this hadith as proof that Eid prayer is obligatory due to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) using the form of a command (أَمَرَنَا). They also reason that since women are generally encouraged to remain in their homes, being commanded to come out on this occasion shows the strength of the obligation.
Avoiding Perfume and Excess Adornment
Women are to avoid perfume and excessive beautification when going out. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that if a woman applies perfume and men smell her fragrance, she is described as a زانية (adulteress) in a hadith. This is a serious warning. Scented deodorants should be avoided if the scent will linger in public spaces.
Is the Eid Prayer Obligatory?
Some scholars conclude that the Eid prayer is fard ‘ayn (individual obligation). They cite the continual practice of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)—he never missed it while resident—and the explicit command for women to attend.
Nafi‘ relates that Ibn ‘Umar would bring out his entire family if they were able. This supports the view that Eid prayer is obligatory on both men and women (unless physical or other constraints prevent attendance).
Arriving at the Eid Prayer
1. No Adhan or Iqamah
Eid prayer has no adhan or iqamah.
Ibn ‘Abbas and Jabir (رضي الله عنهما) narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) never used adhan or iqamah for Eid. Jabir ibn Samurah specifically mentioned:
صَلَّيْتُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ غَيْرَ مَرَّةٍ وَلَا مَرَّتَيْنِ بِغَيْرِ أَذَانٍ وَلَا إِقَامَةٍ
“I prayed more than once or twice with the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) without adhan or iqamah.” (Sahih Muslim: 887)
This is sometimes referred to as سُنَّة تَرْكِيَّة—the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) left it, and so we do not introduce it.
2. No Sunnah Before or After
- Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) narrated:
خَرَجَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ عِيدٍ فَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَمْ يُصَلِّ قَبْلُ وَلاَ بَعْدُ
The Prophet (ﷺ) went out for the `Id prayer on the `Id day and offered a two rak`at prayer (of eid); and he neither offered a prayer before it or after it. (Sahih Bukhari: 1431)
Hafidh Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) and Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) both note that there is no authentic evidence for sunnah prayers immediately before or after the Eid prayer itself.
What If You Discover Eid Late?
If, for example, the moon was not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, and a community fasted assuming Ramadan was still ongoing—but near the end of the 30th day, a reliable source arrives announcing they had in fact sighted the moon—then:
- They must break their fast immediately upon learning it was truly Eid.
- They pray Eid the next morning, as it remains an obligation not yet performed.
This scenario is supported by a narration found in Imam Ahmad’s collection, authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani in Irwa’ al-Ghalil, regarding companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) from the Ansar who fasted because they did not see the crescent in time. When news arrived late, they broke their fast and prayed the Eid prayer the following day.
The Khutbah Follows the Prayer
For Salat al-Eid, the prayer comes first, followed by the khutbah. This is different from Jumu‘ah, where the khutbah precedes the prayer.
- Sa‘id al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه) said:
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَخْرُجُ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ وَالْأَضْحَى إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَأَوَّلُ شَيْءٍ يَبْدَأُ بِهِ الصَّلَاةُ
“On the Day of Fitr and Adha, the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would go to the place of prayer, and the first thing he would begin with was the prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari: 956)
- Once the prayer concludes:
فَمَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَجْلِسَ لِلْخُطْبَةِ فَلْيَجْلِسْ، وَمَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَذْهَبَ فَلْيَذْهَبْ
“Whoever wishes to sit for the khutbah may do so, and whoever wishes to leave may leave.” (Sunan Abu Dawud: 1155)
Hence, attending the khutbah is recommended, not obligatory. However, if you choose to remain, it is impermissible to create noise or disturbance for those listening.
How to Pray Salat al-Eid (صِفَةُ صَلَاةِ الْعِيد)
- Two Rak‘ahs: Eid prayer consists of two rak‘ahs only.
- Number of Takbeerat
- First Rak‘ah: Seven takbeerat (including Takbiratul Ihram).
- Second Rak‘ah: Five takbeerat.
- Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As reported the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
التكبير في الفطر سبعة في الأولى وخمس في الآخرة والقراءة بعدهما كلتيهماAfter completing the seven
takbeerat, one recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah in the first rak‘ah. In the second rak‘ah, there are five takbeerat, followed by recitation. (Sunan Abu Dawud: 1151)
Recitation in Each Rak‘ah
- First Rak‘ah: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) sometimes recited Surah Qaf (سورة ق). (Sahih Muslim: 891)
- Another narration says he recited سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى (Surah al-A‘la). (Sahih Muslim: 878)
- Second Rak‘ah: He would recite Surah al-Qamar (سورة القمر) (Sahih Muslim: 891).
- Another narration says he recited هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَة (Surah al-Ghashiyah). (Sahih Muslim: 878)
Both practices are reported. Imam al-Nawawi mentions these narrations in his works.
Phrases Between the Takbeerat
Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه) reportedly used to say words of praise to Allah and send salutations on the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) between each takbir. (Sunan al-Kubra:3/292)
Some scholars permit silence between takbeerat; either approach is valid.
If Eid and Jumu‘ah Coincide
If Eid falls on a Friday, one of the two prayers (Eid or Jumu‘ah) suffices for those who performed it—but:
- The Imam must still hold Salat al-Jumu‘ah for anyone who did not attend Eid or chooses to pray both.
- This ruling is based on ahadith where two Eids coincide, and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to those who prayed Eid, فَمَنْ شَاءَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ فَلْيُصَلِّ i.e., whoever wishes may pray Jumu‘ah, and whoever wishes may be exempted.
Missing the Eid Prayer
If you arrive too late and the Eid prayer has finished, you may pray two rak‘ahs on your own. Imam al-Bukhari includes a heading in his Sahih indicating that whoever misses Salat al-Eid can pray it in the same manner the Imam does, although without a formal congregation.Chapter: Whoever missed the Eid prayer should offer two Rak'a prayer (Bukhari:987-988)
Should you catch only the final tashahhud with the Imam, many scholars say you should still complete the two rak‘ahs in full with their extra takbeerat.
One or Two Khutbahs?
Scholars differ on whether the Eid khutbah is in one or two parts. Imam al-Shafi‘i says the Imam should deliver two khutbahs with a short sitting in between, mirroring Jumu‘ah. (Al-Umm:1/237) Ibn Hazm and Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen concur. However, this issue should not become a major point of contention, and communities can follow what is practised among their scholars.
Changing the Route (مخالفة الطريق)
- Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah (رضي الله عنه) said:
كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ عِيدٍ خَالَفَ الطَّرِيقَ
On Eid, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would go by one route to the prayer area and return via a different route. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 986)
This practice is recommended, whether to greet different people along the way or for other wisdoms.
Greeting Each Other on Eid (التهنئة بالعيد)
Exchanging greetings like “Eid Mubarak”, “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum”, and other culturally familiar phrases is permissible.
Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahman Nasir al-Sa‘di explains that custom (عادات) in speech or action is originally permissible unless proven otherwise. Such greetings increase love, unity, and goodwill among Muslims.
Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Qudamah, Ibn Hajar, and Ibn ‘Uthaymeen also see no harm in these greetings, viewing them as a positive way of expressing joy and making dua for each other’s acceptance of deeds.
Prohibition of Fasting on Eid (تحريم الصيام في العيدين)
- It is haram to fast on the two Eids:
لا صوم في يومين: الفطر والأضحى
No fasting is permissible on two days: `Id-ul-Fitr and `Id-ul-Adha. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1197)
Imam al-Nawawi brings a consensus of scholars on the prohibition. (Sharh Saheeh Muslim:8/208)
This applies to any type of fast—whether a vow, a voluntary fast, or an expiatory one. Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) said the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) forbade fasting on these two days:
يَوْمُ فِطْرِكُمْ مِنْ صِيَامِكُمْ وَالْآخَرُ يَوْمُ تَأْكُلُونَ فِيهِ مِنْ نُسُكِكُمْ
One is the day of Fitr (at the end of your fasts), and the second one, the day when you eat (the meat) of your sacrifices. (Sahih Muslim:1137)
No covenant or vow overrides this prohibition.
Conclusion
Eid al-Fitr is a time of collective joy and communal worship, rooted in clear guidance from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and unanimous scholarly agreement. Its linguistic meaning points to a repeated return of happiness, while its spiritual foundation elevates believers through prayer, remembrance, and gratitude to Allah.
- Definition and Basis: Eid is a recurring day of joy, firmly established in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and scholarly consensus.
- Recommended Acts: Ghusl, wearing good clothes, eating dates (especially in odd numbers) before leaving for Eid al-Fitr prayer.
- Timing of the Prayer: After the sun has risen completely and before midday.
- Takbeer: Starts from Maghrib the night before Eid al-Fitr and continues until the Imam arrives for prayer.
- Women’s Attendance: Emphasized, with guidelines on modesty and refraining from perfumes.
- Method of Prayer: Two rak‘ahs; seven takbeerat in the first, five in the second. No adhan or iqamah. No sunnah before or after.
- Khutbah: Delivered after the prayer. Attendance for it is recommended but not mandatory.
- Special Situations:
- If someone learns it is Eid late, they break the fast and pray Eid the next day.
- If Eid coincides with Jumu‘ah, one may suffice for the other, though the Imam must still hold Jumu‘ah for those who did not attend Eid.
- Missing the Eid prayer means praying two rak‘ahs at home or elsewhere.
- Prohibition of Fasting: It is forbidden to fast on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, regardless of any vow or voluntary intention.
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