Complete Guide to the Idul Fitri Ritual Bath with Intentions, Conditions, and Its Law

Kapanlagi.com - Welcoming the day of fitri, it feels incomplete if we do not perform the Idul Fitri sunnah bath. Although it is not obligatory, this bath is a highly recommended tradition in Islam, as a form of gratitude and following the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. In his teachings, he reminds his followers to purify themselves before performing the Idul Fitri prayer, so that we can feel abundant blessings.

Generally, this sunnah bath is performed in the morning before the prayer, but if you wish to do it earlier, you can start from midnight. There are several conditions and procedures that need to be observed for this practice to be accepted well. The sunnah bath is not just about physical cleansing, but also about preparing our souls to worship with full concentration.

It is important to know the right time, to pronounce the correct intention, and to follow the established steps so that our worship on this holiday becomes perfect. Therefore, here is a complete guide regarding the Idul Fitri sunnah bath, which includes the intention readings in Arabic and Latin, as well as the conditions and laws of its implementation. Check out this interesting summary from KapanLagi.com, Sunday (30/3), so you don't miss this sacred moment!

1. Intention Reading for the Sunnah Bath of Idul Fitri

Before stepping into the freshness of the sunnah bath of Idul Fitri, there is one important step that must not be overlooked. This intention is the first step to begin the sunnah bath of Idul Fitri and must be done with full awareness and sincerity of heart.

The correct intention reading is:

• Arabic: نَوَيْتُ الْغُسْلَ لِعِيْدِ اْلفِطْرِ سُنَّةً لِلَلـليِ تَعَالَى
• Latin: "Nawaitul ghusla li ‘idil fithri sunnatan lillahi ta’ala"
• "I intend to perform the Idul Fitri bath, a sunnah for the sake of Allah ta'ala."

Although the intention can be made in the heart, verbalizing the intention helps solidify the purpose and intention in worship. This intention also becomes part of the seriousness in carrying out the sunnah practice on this blessed day.

This reading is quite brief, but it holds deep meaning for every Muslim who performs the sunnah bath on the morning of Idul Fitri. Additionally, although there are no specific provisions regarding exactly when this intention should be uttered, it is advisable to say this intention before performing the sunnah bath, whether it is at night or in the morning.

2. Conditions for Sunnah Bath on Eid al-Fitr

The sunnah bath of Eid al-Fitr is a ritual filled with meaning and a symbol of cleanliness before the holiday. To ensure that this practice is valid and accepted, there are several conditions that need to be fulfilled.

First, make sure that the water used is clean, whether from a flowing source or stored, and it must touch the entire body from the tips of the hair to the tips of the feet. For Muslims who are menstruating or postpartum, this sunnah bath is still recommended even if they do not perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

Additionally, the intention must be uttered before the bath, and remember, this sunnah bath should not be equated with other obligations such as bathing after marital relations. This bath is a spiritual preparation that readies the heart to celebrate a blessed day with a clean and pure soul.

3. Ruling on Sunnah Bath of Eid al-Fitr

The sunnah bath of Eid al-Fitr holds a very important position in Islamic law, although it is not obligatory. This bath is included in the highly recommended sunnah practices to be performed before carrying out the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The ruling of this bath has been emphasized in many Islamic literatures, including the narration of Imam Malik which mentions that Ibn Umar bathed before heading to the place of the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

Imam al-Ghazali and Sheikh al-Baijuri also provide guidance regarding the time and manner of this sunnah bath. Although it is not obligatory, this bath is highly recommended as a sign of physical and spiritual cleanliness, as well as a way to improve oneself and welcome the holiday with a pure heart.

In general, although this bath is sunnah, performing it brings rewards and makes the execution of the Eid al-Fitr prayer more perfect, as a clean body supports concentration in worship. Therefore, Muslims are highly encouraged to perform it.

4. The Time for Performing the Sunnah Bath on Eid al-Fitr

The time for performing the sunnah bath on Eid al-Fitr begins from midnight on the night of the holiday until before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. As explained by Sheikh al-Baijuri in the book Hasyiyatu Asy-Syaikh Ibrahim al-Baijuri, the time for this sunnah bath starts at midnight, which is when the 1st of Shawwal begins. The bath can be performed anytime after that, but the preferred time is after dawn or before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

• The time for this bath begins at midnight

• "The time for the sunnah bath (Eid al-Fitr/Eid al-Adha) is at midnight."

Imam al-Ghazali also provides guidance that this sunnah bath can be performed after the Fajr prayer on the morning of Eid al-Fitr, but performing it in the morning is far more preferable as it aligns better with the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Thus, the time for performing this sunnah bath is quite flexible, but the best practice is to perform it in the morning before heading to the Eid al-Fitr prayer location. Although this bath can be done at a certain time, it is important to ensure that it is completed before the time for the Eid al-Fitr prayer begins, so that it is not missed.

5. Questions and Answers About the Topic

What is the correct intention for the Sunnah bath of Idul Fitri?

The correct intention is "Nawaitul ghusla li ‘idil fithri sunnatan lillahi ta’ala," which means "I intend to perform the Idul Fitri bath, a Sunnah for the sake of Allah ta’ala."

Is the Sunnah bath of Idul Fitri mandatory?

The Sunnah bath of Idul Fitri is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended as a Sunnah practice to welcome the holiday.

When is the appropriate time to perform the Sunnah bath of Idul Fitri?

This Sunnah bath can be performed from midnight until before the Idul Fitri prayer, but the best time is after dawn or in the morning.

What is the procedure for the Sunnah bath of Idul Fitri?

Start by washing the entire body, reciting the intention, prioritize the right side, and ensure that all parts of the body are touched by water.

Is the Sunnah bath of Idul Fitri still recommended for women who are menstruating or in postpartum?

Yes, even though women who are menstruating or in postpartum do not perform prayers, this Sunnah bath is still recommended.

(kpl/mni)