Eid ul Fitr means ‘Eid of breaking the fast’. When you break your fasting, then it is Eid ul Fitr .
Eid-ul-Fitr is the festival of breaking the fast at the end of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a holy month of fasting and devotion. It is also known as the Sweet Festival, Hari Raya Puasa, or simply the Festival of Breaking the Fast.
This day is significant as fasting is prohibited, marking the completion of a month of spiritual discipline and self-restraint. Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, and is celebrated worldwide by Muslims with special prayers, feasting, and acts of charity.
A key aspect of this celebration is the special prayer known as Eid-ul-Fitr Salat. This article provides a detailed guide to the significance, method, and etiquettes of performing this blessed prayer.
Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr Salat
Eid-ul-Fitr Salat is a highly recommended act of worship that expresses gratitude to Allah for granting Muslims the strength to complete Ramadan with fasting and devotion. It is a collective prayer that unites the Muslim community, reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood and faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized its importance, and it is performed in an open field or mosque to accommodate large congregations. Muslims also pay Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer to purify their fasts and assist the less fortunate.
Timing and Ruling
Eid-ul-Fitr Salat is offered on the morning of 1st Shawwal, the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is recommended to perform it soon after sunrise, typically 15-20 minutes after Fajr prayer but before Dhuhr prayer. Unlike the five daily prayers, there is no adhan or iqamah for the Eid prayer.
How to Perform Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz
The Eid prayer consists of two rak’ahs and includes six extra Takbeers. Follow the steps below to perform it correctly:
- Make intention for Eid-ul-Fitr for two Rakats Wajib and then lift your hands up to your ears and say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and fold them below the navel as normal.
- Recite Sana (Subhanak Allahumma…) and then say ‘Allahu Akbar’, lifting your hands up to your ears and releasing them. Repeat this process two more times, making a total of three extra Takbeers before Qira’at (recitation). After the third release, fold your hands.
- The best way to remember: Fold your hands after the first and fourth Takbeer. In the second and third Takbeers, release your hands and let them hang by your sides.
- After folding your hands after the fourth Takbeer, the Imam will silently recite ‘A’udhubillah’ and ‘Bismillah’, followed by Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah (usually Surah Al-A’la or Surah Al-Qaf), which will be recited loudly. Then proceed to ruku and sujood to complete the first rak’ah.
- In the second rak’ah, the Imam will recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah (commonly Surah Al-Ghashiyah or Surah Al-Qamar). After this, three Takbeers will be performed. Lift your hands to your ears each time and release them. On the fourth Takbeer, do not raise your hands; instead, go directly into ruku and continue as normal to complete the prayer.
Nawafil Namaz on Eid-ul-Fitr
Although there are no specific Nawafil (voluntary) prayers prescribed for the day of Eid before the Eid prayer, it is recommended to perform at least two rak’ahs of Nafl at home after returning from the Eid gathering as an act of gratitude to Allah.
Sunnahs and Etiquettes of Eid-ul-Fitr Salat
To maximize the spiritual rewards of Eid prayer, consider the following Sunnahs:
- Perform Ghusl (ritual purification) before heading to the Eid prayer.
- Wear the best clothes and apply fragrance.
- Recite Takbir (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd) while going to the prayer.
- Eat something sweet, preferably dates, before leaving for prayer.
- Use different routes when going to and returning from the prayer area.
- Embrace fellow Muslims with warmth and greet them with Eid Mubarak.
- Exchange gifts and share meals to strengthen bonds with family and friends.
- Pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer to help the poor and purify one’s fasting.
Dua for Eid-ul-Fitr
Reciting supplications from the Quran and Hadith brings immense blessings. One of the most beautiful duas to recite on Eid is:
اللهم لك الحمد كما هديتنا للإسلام، ولك الحمد كما أنعمت علينا بالإيمان، ولك الحمد بما يسرت لنا من صيام شهر رمضان وقيامه، وتلاوة كتابك العظيم
“O Allah, to You belongs all praise, as You have guided us to Islam; to You belongs all praise, as You have granted us faith; to You belongs all praise for facilitating for us the fasting of the month of Ramadan, its night prayers, and the recitation of Your great Book.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2025?
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 is expected to be on Sunday March 30th, 2025, or Monday March 31st, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
2. How many Rakats are there in Eid-ul-Fitr prayer?
The Eid-ul-Fitr prayer consists of two Rakats with six extra Takbeers.
3. Is Eid prayer mandatory?
Eid prayer is Wajib (necessary) for adult Muslim men and highly recommended for women.
4. Can I pray Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz at home?
If a congregation is not available, it is better to offer two Rakats of Nafl prayer at home.
5. What is the ruling on fasting on Eid day?
Fasting on Eid day is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Conclusion
Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival of joy, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. It is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, share their blessings, and foster unity. The Eid-ul-Fitr Salat serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, worship, and charity. Along with prayers, the festival is marked by acts of generosity, sharing of sweets like sewai (sweet vermicelli), and strengthening relationships with family and friends. May Allah accept our prayers, fasting, and acts of charity, and bless us all on this joyous occasion. Eid Mubarak!