Community Converts

‘Eid Primer for Converts and Potential Khatibs

Originally published September 2010

For Converts, Their Families and One’s Co-Workers and Friends

2942912527_5010f03bdfFor many of us, the ‘Eid prayer is a simple ritual that we observe twice a year. However, if one recently accepted Islam, or is dealing with the responsibility of his first ‘Eid khutbah, the ‘Eid prayer begins to seem truly daunting. With that in mind, I decided to compile a simple primer on the ‘Eid prayer. I hope this facilitates its observance, making it easy for converts, their families, co-workers and first-time preachers.

 

What is ‘Eid al-Fitr?

The word ‘Eid in Arabic means holiday and the word fitr means to break. Since this holiday takes place the day after the month of Ramadan ends, this holiday is given the name “the holiday for breaking the fast.”

What happens on that day?

On the day of ‘Eid the entire Muslim community congregates in observance of the ‘Eid prayer.

What time is the prayer?

It can be prayed anytime after sunrise until noon and must be done so in congregation.

Whose invited? Can I bring my non-Muslim friends and family members?

The entire community is encouraged to come, and you are definitely encouraged to bring all of your friends and family to the prayer and the celebrations thereafter!

How does one pray this prayer? Is it different from the Friday prayer?

The ‘Eid prayer is similar to the Friday prayer in its number of cycles (two), in that it is recited out loud, and that both have sermons. However, unlike the Friday prayer, the ‘Eid prayer’s sermon follows the prayer.

The second difference lies in its number of takbirs (when the prayer leader says, “God is the greatest” which starts the prayer). In the ‘Eid prayer there are six additional takbir added to the original in the prayer’s first cycle, and five added to the second cycle of prayer (after one rises from the sitting position to stand for the second cycle).

How it’s done:

The first cycle: there is the opening takbir, then the prayer leaders says “Allahu Akbar” [God is the greatest] six more times, and then recites the opening chapter from the Qur’an followed by a short reading from another chapter of the Qur’an.

After rising for the second cycle: one says “Allahu Akbar” to arise and stands for the second cycle of prayer then states Allahu Akbar 5 more times before reading the opening chapter from the Qur’an.

Note: if one is following the Imam, it is much easier. Just follow him!

Are there any special chapters of Qur’an that should be recited during this prayer?

It was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ to read, after the first chapter of Qur’an, the 87th chapter in the first cycle of prayer and the 88th in the second cycle.  Others considered it commendable to recite the 50th chapter from the Qur’an in the first cycle and the 54th in the second. However, if one is unable to read those chapters, there is nothing wrong with reading whatever he knows from the Qur’an.

What if one comes late and misses the extra takbirs?

If one comes after the preacher has already started (for example he has already stated Allahu akbar three times in addition to the opening Allahu Akbar) then that person should begin the prayer by saying, “Allahu akbar” (God is the Greatest) and join the Imam. However once the preacher begins to recite the Qur’an, the latecomer should keep saying “Allahu akbar” in a soft voice until he arrives to the total of 7 extra takbirs (or 5 if he comes late for the second cycle of prayer).

Thus, in the above scenario where the preacher had already said three, the person would have said a total of 4 with him. However, once the preacher started to read Qur’an, the person should say an additional 4 takbir [saying God is the greatest] making it a total of 7.

If it were the second cycle, the person, once the preacher starts reading Qur’an, should add 2 more to reach the total of 5.

If one arrived late and started their prayer with the second cycle, missing the first, then they should say 7 when they stand to complete the prayer after the preacher closes the prayer.

If the person comes late and finds the congregation at the end of the prayer, meaning he missed all of the takbirs, he should arise, after the closure of the prayer, and say 7 takbirs in the first cycle and 5 in the second.

Note: one may pray behind any preacher who observes the takbirs in a different fashion recognized by Islamic ritual law. There is no problem to follow them in this; one should not make it a big issue.

What is the ruling for ‘Eid prayer?

Eid prayer is a highly encouraged act for those ordered to pray the Friday prayer and recommended for those who are not obligated to pray the Friday prayer, according to a group of scholars. However, there are other great scholars who hold it to be a religious obligation.

What should the Preacher talk about?

In addition to what constitutes the normal recognized procedures related to the sermon, one should insure that his sermon is relevant and provides the community with a feeling of empowerment and purpose. It is also good to channel the community into taking part in the different committees and programs that take place in the local mosque. One should also try and make the speech relevant to the attendees by addressing each in drawing valuable lessons that are practical and measurable.

I have a family member or friend who converted to Islam. Although I’m not Muslim, can I congratulate them and offer gifts?

Sure, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that religiously and no Muslim should take offense to it. If they do, please feel free to give their gifts to me!

Recommended acts:

  1. To keep night vigil the night before the ‘Eid prayer*.
  2. To take a ritual bath prior to the prayer.
  3. To apply perfume [for men only].
  4. To wear one’s best clothing.
  5. To return from the prayer using a different route.
  6. To eat something before the ‘Eid prayer. It is best to eat a few dates and if proven difficult, then drinking some water as this is the sunnah of the Prophet [note for ‘Eid al-Adha the opposite holds true].
  7. To set out for the Masjid early engaging in takbir. This is truly one of the greatest memories any family can have, so seize this moment and engage in takbir with your families. If you’re solo, then know that you are engaging in takbir with the angels!
  8. To pray in an open space.
  9. One should not pray before or after the ‘Eid prayer.
  10. May Allah bless you and give you the best ‘Eid ever!

*Note: many consider this a comendable act, however the narration attributed to the Prophet [sa], “Whoever brings to life the night of ‘Eid [with worship] his heart will be alive on a day when the hearts will die” is weak as noted in Tadhkirat al-Mawdu’at, vol. 1, pg. 47.

About the author

Suhaib Webb

Suhaib Webb

Suhaib Webb is a contemporary American-Muslim educator, activist, and lecturer. His work bridges classical and contemporary Islamic thought, addressing issues of cultural, social and political relevance to Muslims in the West. After converting to Islam in 1992, Webb left his career in the music industry to pursue his passion in education. He earned a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and received intensive private training in the Islamic Sciences under a renowned Muslim Scholar of Senegalese descent. Webb was hired as the Imam at the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, where he gave khutbas (sermons), taught religious classes, and provided counselling to families and young people; he also served as an Imam and resident scholar in communities across the U.S.

From 2004-2010, Suhaib Webb studied at the world’s preeminent Islamic institution of learning, Al-Azhar University, in the College of Shari`ah. During this time, after several years of studying the Arabic Language and the Islamic legal tradition, he also served as the head of the English Translation Department at Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah.

Outside of his studies at Al-Azhar, Suhaib Webb completed the memorization of the Quran in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He has been granted numerous traditional teaching licenses (ijazat), adhering to centuries-old Islamic scholarly practice of ensuring the highest standards of scholarship. Webb was named one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in 2010.

13 Comments

  • Brother Suhaib, Can you please answer these three questions if you have some extra time???
    1. Can you give some practical tips on how to sleep less.
    2. Is Laylatul Qadr only one night ? I ask this because different countries have a difference about 2 days. Therefore, Laylatul Qadr might be in one country but not in other. However if its common for the whole world and taking into account laylatul qadr falls in one of the odd nights, then it must be the odd day common for the whole world. Can you please provide your view on this
    3. Lastly, What are your views regarding the teachings of Imam Abu Hamid Ghazali (ra) in Mishkat Al Anwar, Book 20 and 21 of his Ihya?
    Jazak Allah Khair

    • The native Americans used to drink lots of water before they slept so they could wake early before battle (at least that’s the urban legend). It works for me.

      • Ofcourse Justin LOL..any person who drinks LOTS of water before they sleep will wake up very early cuz they have to PEE!!! LOL LOL..its happening to me every day in my pregnancy even when i drink only little water before going to bed. lol

  • No women allowed at our local Mosque. It’s been many years since I have prayed Eid prayer, and as a convert to Islam I find this very disheartening. InshaAllah, my little daughter will be permitted to attend with my husband and sons.

    May Allah bless all those who have sincerely struggled through the month of Ramadan, and Eid Mubarak to everyone!

    • Asalaamu alaikum sis…I know you posted this almost a year ago but I am just now reading it. Subhan’Allah, that is so sad. 🙁 Why don’t they allow the women at the masjid???? There’s a hadith where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that women should not be prohibited from attending the masjid. Also, there’s another hadith where our beloved Prophet (SAW) said that for Eid, everyone should attend, even the women that are at home should come out for the celebration.

  • Jazakallah khayr for the timely article. #7 on the list of things to in Eid is especially true for me. My favorite memory from Eids during my childhood was saying takbeer with my family in the car on the way to the masjid. There’s nothing like the peace you feel on Eid morning, especially when you’re with family.

  • article. #7 on the list of things to in Eid is especially true for me. My favorite memory from Eids during my childhood was saying takbeer with my family in the car on the way to the masjid. There’s nothing like the peace you feel on Eid morning, especially when you’re with family.

  • This is lucky in light of the fact that scholars can select a subject they are commonplace or agreeable with. From the cases they have gained entrance to, they will discover that they require not come up worldwide shaking thoughts, but instead they can expound on the things they never thought might make exceptional article material.

  • Sunrise and sunset gives fast as synergy.
    To think and compromise allows contemplation
    The fasting of energy is solar to creation
    Contextual to humanity

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