The Importance of Mandatory Bathing Before Eid al-Fitr Prayer, Complete with Guidelines

The moment of Eid al-Fitr is always associated with the solemn performance of the Eid prayer. However, did you know that bathing before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is one of the highly recommended Sunnah practices? This practice is not merely to cleanse the body, but also holds significant spiritual meaning as preparation to welcome the day of victory for Muslims after a month of fasting.

Bathing before the Eid prayer, whether for Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, aims to purify oneself both physically and spiritually. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught this practice as a way to greet the holiday with a clean heart and readiness to worship. By bathing, Muslims are expected to be more focused during the Eid prayer and to pray for forgiveness and blessings from Allah SWT.

In addition, bathing before the prayer also removes minor impurities, although it is still mandatory to perform ablution before the prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended bathing on the holiday, as narrated by Umar bin Khattab. By following the Sunnah of the Prophet, we hope to receive blessings and His pleasure. Personal cleanliness is also part of Islamic teachings, reflecting our readiness to welcome the holiday. Here is a complete guide on the Sunnah bathing before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Monday (31/3/2025).

1. The Virtue of Bathing Before Eid al-Fitr Prayer

Quoting from almanhaj.or.id, bathing before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is a Sunnah practice that can be performed by both men and women. This bath aims to purify oneself and show respect and cleanliness in performing the Eid prayer. In addition, bathing before the Eid prayer can also provide comfort in worship, especially when Muslims gather in mosques or fields.

According to a preacher from Jordan, Sheikh Ali bin Hasan bin Ali Abdul Hamid Al-Halabi Al-Atsari, bathing before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is a way to purify oneself. He mentioned:

“Abdullah bin Umar used to bathe on the day of Eid al-Fitr before going to the prayer place.”

Imam Said Ibnul Musayyib also mentioned that:

سُنَّةُ الْفِطْرِ ثَلاَثٌ : اَلْمَشْيُ اِلَى الْمُصَلَّى وَاْلاَكْلُ قَبْلَ الْخُرُيوْجِ وَاْلاِغْتِسَالُ

"The Sunnah of Eid al-Fitr consists of three: walking to the prayer place, eating before going to the prayer place, and bathing."

2. Recommended Time for Sunnah Bathing on Eid al-Fitr

The sunnah bath before the Eid al-Fitr prayer can be performed from midnight until just before the prayer time. In the book Hasyiyatu Asy-Syaikh Ibrahim al-Baijuri, it is mentioned that the best time for the sunnah bath on Eid al-Fitr is after the dawn prayer until just before leaving for the prayer place.

For those who want more flexibility, the bath can be taken from midnight, but it is preferable to do it closer to the prayer time so that the body remains fresh until the worship is carried out.

Thus, Muslims are encouraged to consider the bathing time so that they can prepare calmly before performing the Eid prayer in the morning.

3. How to Bathe Before the Eid al-Fitr Prayer

Taking a bath before the Idul Fitri prayer has recommended procedures so that this sunnah can be performed correctly and gain its virtues. Here are the steps:

1. Reciting the intention for the sunnah bath of Idul Fitri:

نَوَيْتُ غُسْلَ عِيْدِ الْفِطْرِ سُنَّةً لِلهِ تَعَالَ

"Nawaitul ghusla li ‘idil fithri sunnatan lillahi ta’ala."

Meaning:

"I intend to take a bath to celebrate Idul Fitri as a sunnah for the sake of Allah ta’ala."

2. The following are the procedures for the obligatory bath before the prayer:

• Pouring clean water over the entire body, starting from the head to the feet to ensure that the whole body is wet.
• Prioritizing the right side before the left side, similar to the sunnah in ablution.
• Scrubbing all parts of the body, especially the folds such as armpits, between the fingers, and other areas to ensure complete cleanliness.
• Continuing with a regular bath, using soap and shampoo to thoroughly cleanse the body.
• By following these procedures, taking a bath before the Idul Fitri prayer will be more meaningful and in accordance with the recommended sunnah.

4. Wisdom and Benefits of Sunnah Bath on Eid al-Fitr

The sunnah bath before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is not only beneficial for physical cleanliness but also has many spiritual and social benefits, including:

• Completing personal hygiene, so the body feels fresher and ready to worship with sincerity.
• Maintaining comfort in social interactions, especially when gathering with many people at the Eid prayer place.
• Increasing self-confidence by appearing clean and tidy when meeting relatives and neighbors.
• Following the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, who always maintained cleanliness during every important moment in Islam.
• Welcoming the day of victory in the best condition, as a form of gratitude for the completion of the Ramadan fasting worship.

5. Other Sunnah Practices Before and After Idul Fitri Prayer

6. FAQ

1. Is it mandatory to take a bath before the Idul Fitri prayer?

No, taking a bath before the Idul Fitri prayer is a sunnah muakkadah, which means it is recommended but not obligatory.

2. Is the Idul Fitri bath the same as a mandatory bath?

No, the sunnah bath for Idul Fitri is different from a mandatory bath. This bath is performed as a form of purification before the Id prayer, not due to major ritual impurity.

3. When is the best time to take a bath before the Id prayer?

The best time to take a bath for Idul Fitri is after the dawn prayer until just before the Id prayer is performed.

4. Can women who are menstruating take a sunnah bath for Idul Fitri?

Yes, even though they will not perform the Id prayer, it is still recommended for them to take a sunnah bath to maintain cleanliness and welcome the festive day.

5. Do children need to take a bath before the Idul Fitri prayer?

Yes, it is sunnah for all Muslims, including children, to take a bath before the Idul Fitri prayer to be cleaner and more comfortable while worshiping.

(kpl/rmt)