The Sunnah Practices of the Prophet on Eid al-Fitr, Don't Miss Out on Practicing Them

Kapanlagi.com - Eid al-Fitr is a moment of victory for Muslims after a full month of fasting. However, more than just a celebration, this holiday has a number of sunnah recommended by the Prophet Muhammad shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam. Practicing these sunnah not only adds rewards but also gives deeper meaning to the day of victory.

According to various narrations, the Prophet Muhammad shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam has provided guidance on celebrating Eid al-Fitr in accordance with Islamic teachings. This guidance includes various aspects, from preparations before the Eid prayer to social interactions afterward. Each practice has its own significance related to cleanliness, purity, and gratitude for the blessings given by Allah SWT.

As Muslims, understanding and practicing the sunnah of the Prophet during Eid al-Fitr is part of how we emulate his life. Here are some sunnah that can be practiced when welcoming this day of victory.

1. Sunnah Bathing Before Id Prayer

One of the sunnahs recommended before going to the Idulfitri prayer is bathing. This is as mentioned in the hadith from Ali bin Abi Talib radhiyallahu ‘anhu, when someone asked about the recommended bathing in Islam, he replied, "Bathing on Friday, the day of ‘Arafah, the day of Iduladha, and Idulfitri." (HR. Al-Baihaqi, 3:278).

Imam Nawawi rahimahullah also emphasized that the scholars agree on the sunnah of bathing before the ‘ied prayer. Bathing before the Id prayer is not only aimed at physical cleanliness but also as a symbol of purity in welcoming the day of victory.

This practice is also based on the habits of the Prophet's companions, such as Abdullah bin Umar radhiyallahu ‘anhuma who always bathed before going to the prayer place. (HR. Malik in Al-Muwatho'). Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to bathe before the Id prayer to be in a clean and fresh condition.

2. Adorning and Wearing the Best Clothes

The next Sunnah is to wear the best clothes on the day of Idulfitri. In a narration, it is mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a special cloak that he wore on Fridays and on festive days. (HR. Ibn Khuzaimah).

However, Islam also sets boundaries for women in adorning themselves outside the home. In the book Asna al-Mathalib, Sheikh Zakariyya al-Anshari emphasizes that women are encouraged to adorn themselves while still adhering to the Sharia, such as not exposing their aurah and not wearing fragrances that may attract the attention of non-mahram men.

The tradition of buying new clothes during Eid that has developed in society also has a basis in Islamic teachings, as long as it is done with the intention of expressing happiness and not in excess.

3. Eating Before Departing for Idulfitri Prayer

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never went to the Idulfitri prayer while fasting. In a hadith, it is mentioned, "On the day of Idulfitri, the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not leave for the prayer place before eating a few dates in an odd number." (HR. Ahmad and Bukhari).

This Sunnah has the wisdom that the day of Idulfitri is a day of breaking the fast. Scholars also explain that eating before the Idulfitri prayer aims to affirm that the month of Ramadan has ended and that there is no more fasting on that day.

If one does not have dates, Muslims are allowed to eat other halal foods before the prayer as a way of following the Sunnah of the Prophet.

4. Takbir Since the Night of Idulfitri

The takbir is an important part of welcoming Idulfitri. Allah SWT says in the Al-Qur'an:

"And complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for His guidance to you, that you may be grateful." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 185).

The takbir is performed from sunset on the night of Idulfitri until the Id prayer is conducted. In a narration, it is mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam proclaimed the takbir throughout the journey to the prayer place. (HR. Ibn Abi Shaybah).

The commonly recited takbir is:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaaha illallah wallahu akbar. Allahu Akbar walillahil hamd.

Scholars have differing opinions regarding the number of takbirs, but both two or three times are permissible.

5. Exchanging Greetings

Exchanging greetings on the holiday is a tradition that has been practiced since the time of the Prophet. In a narration, it is mentioned that the companions greeted each other with, "Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept our and your deeds). (HR. Al-Baihaqi, with a good chain of narration).

This greeting carries the meaning of a prayer, so it is encouraged to be practiced. Furthermore, there are no strict rules regarding the wording of the greeting, so various expressions such as "Happy Idulfitri" or "Minal aidin wal faizin" are still valid to use.

(kpl/frr)