Muslims Must Know, These Are the Things That Should Not Be Done During Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy for Muslims, after a full month of fasting during Ramadan. On this blessed day, Muslims are encouraged to celebrate with gratitude and happiness. Various traditions such as performing the Eid prayer in congregation, visiting relatives, and enjoying traditional Eid dishes have become an inseparable part of this celebration.

However, in the spirit of celebrating Eid al-Fitr, there are often some things that are not appropriate to do. From dressing excessively to delaying prayers, these habits can contradict Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself taught us to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in a simple yet meaningful way.

To ensure that the celebration of Eid al-Fitr aligns with Islamic teachings, there are several things that need to be avoided. Here are some prohibitions to be mindful of when celebrating Eid al-Fitr, summarized from various sources.

1. Fasting on Eid Day

One of the main prohibitions during Eid al-Fitr is fasting. Although fasting is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam, fasting on the 1st of Shawwal is actually forbidden. This is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which states:

"Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prohibited fasting on two days, namely Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha." (HR. Muslim)

Muslims are encouraged to celebrate Eid al-Fitr by breaking their fast as a form of joy for the victory after a month of fasting. After that, it is highly recommended to observe the six days of sunnah fasting in the month of Shawwal, as the reward is equivalent to fasting for a whole year.

For those who still have missed fasts from Ramadan, they can make them up on other days, but not on Eid al-Fitr, as it remains forbidden.

2. Delaying or Abandoning Obligatory Prayers

The busyness of socializing and gathering with family often causes many people to neglect performing obligatory prayers. In fact, delaying prayers is an act that is disliked by Allah SWT.

Even while celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the prayer must still be prioritized. Muslims should prioritize their obligations to Allah SWT before other activities. If traveling or at a relative's house, it is best to find a place to pray on time.

Additionally, do not become so busy with family events that you forget the Eid prayer, which, although Sunnah, is still highly recommended for both men and women to perform.

3. Dressing and Adorning Excessively

Eid is synonymous with wearing the best clothes, but Islam prohibits its followers from dressing excessively or imitating cultures that are not in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Similarly, with adornment, especially for women, it should remain within reasonable limits. Islam allows beautification, but it should not be excessive or attract the attention of the opposite sex. Allah SWT says:

"O children of Adam, wear your beautiful apparel at every (time of) entering the mosque, eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are excessive." (QS. Al-A'raf: 31)

It is more recommended to wear clothing that covers the awrah modestly than to simply follow fashion trends that do not align with Islamic law.

4. Overeating to the Point of Fullness

The Eid al-Fitr tradition is usually filled with a variety of delicious dishes, such as ketupat, chicken opor, and various cookies. However, overeating is also something that is prohibited in Islam. In the book Adab Al-Syafi’i wa Manaqibi Imam Syafi’i it is mentioned:

"Being overly full makes the body heavy, the heart hard, eliminates intelligence, makes one sleepy often, and weakens the ability to worship."

In addition to being bad for health, overeating can also diminish the spirit to worship, including performing obligatory prayers on time. Islam teaches to eat moderately and not excessively.

5. Indulgence and Showing Off Wealth

Eid al-Fitr is often used as an opportunity to showcase social status by purchasing luxurious items, from clothing to new vehicles. In fact, Islam emphasizes living simply and not excessively.

Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:

"And do not squander your wealth wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils." (QS. Al-Isra: 26-27)

Sharing blessings with those in need is far more beneficial than wasting money on unnecessary things. Eid al-Fitr should be a moment to draw closer to Allah SWT and strengthen the bonds of kinship, not to flaunt wealth.

By paying attention to the above matters, we can celebrate Eid al-Fitr more wisely and in accordance with Islamic teachings, maintaining the true meaning of victory.

6. FAQ

1. Why is it not allowed to fast on Eid al-Fitr?

Because Eid al-Fitr is a day of victory and a day of breaking the fast for Muslims, as mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

2. Is it permissible to wear tight clothing during Eid?

It is not recommended, because Islam teaches its followers to dress modestly and not excessively, especially in terms of covering the 'aurat'.

3. What if I forget to pray because I am busy visiting relatives?

Prayer must still be performed even while traveling or at family events. If missed, it is obligatory to make it up immediately.

(kpl/rmt)