The Day of ‘Eid al-Fitr

Anas (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

 “When the day of their ‘Eid appears, meaning the day of their breaking fast, Allah is proud of them, before His angels and says, ‘O My angels, what is the reward of the servant who has fully accomplished his work?’ They say, ‘O our Lord, his reward is that he is paid his wage in full.’ He says, ‘My angels, My male servants and My female servants have done what I have made obligatory upon them, then they came out hastening to supplication. By My Honour, Greatness, Generosity, Exalted Position and Sublime Nature of My Rank, I will surely respond to them.’ Then He says, ‘Return. I have forgiven you and changed your sins into virtues.’ Then they return forgiven.” (Reported by Bayhaqi)

The performance of the ‘Eid prayer is required (wajib) from those whom the Jum‘ah prayer is required.

The following are recommended before offering the ‘Eid prayer:

1) trimming one’s hair;

2) cutting one’s nails;

3) performing the purificatory bath (ghusl);

4) wearing perfume;

5) dressing in one’s best clothes;

6) giving the zakat of ‘Eid al-Fitr;

7) eating something sweet, for example an odd number of dates;

8) coming early after the dawn prayer on foot;

9) returning home by a different route than one came;

10) and being joyful and showing happiness with one another.