"Eid" is an Arabic word, whose root connotation is ‘that which comes back, time after time' and it also means rejoicing.
EID-AL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims show their joy and gratitude for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith, seeking its reward, shall have all their past sins forgiven.”
(Bukhari)
The Night Before
- Prepare for the morning, including clothes, directions to Eid-Salah,and preparing any special sweet meals to be eaten before salat.
- Make lots of istighfar (asking Allah for forgiveness) and pray that Allah accepted our fast, prayers and devotion, and may He grant the Ummah glory and success.
Morning of Eid-al-Fitr
- Wake up early! Pray Fajr.
- Take a shower (ghusul)
- Brush your teeth.
- Dress up, putting on best clothes available, whether new or cleaned old ones. Make sure your clothing is modest and appropiate.
- Use perfume
- Eat something sweet on Eid-al-Fitr before leaving for the masjid or prayer ground. Eat dates before going to the masjid or prayer ground. It is sunnah to eat an odd number.
- Everyone should attend Eid Salah if the Salat is held away from the masjid. Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaat-al-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
- Go to prayer ground early.
- Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
- Use two separate routes to and from the prayer ground.
- Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid.
- Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is great. Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great. Allah is great. And all praises are due to Him).. It is also considered a good Islamic practice to visit one another and exchange gifts.
"Exchange gifts, and you will love one another." (Bukhari)
Prohibited Acts during Eid
- Spending lavishly and with undue burden on others on gifts, decorations, food, and clothing.
- Men and women mixing with each other on the salat grounds and non-. Mahram men and women greeting each other with physical contact.
- Wearing inappropiate clothing or immodest clothing.
- Fasting is strictly prohibited on Eid.
Dealing with Grief During Eid
While Eid is definitely a time of joy and happiness, it's also one of sadness for those who recall happy occasions with deceased family members. Whether we're experiencing this sadness ourselves, or know someone who is, grief is something we can't ignore.
- Pray to Allah (Dua)
- Make Dua and remember deceased parents and visit and show respect to their relatives and friends
- Cherish the good memories
- If you know someone dealing with personal grief this Eid, make a special effort to invite them over.
- Avoid Isolation.
- If you have a family member or friend who is suffering through such problems, inviting them over on Eid day can lift their spirits. Offer them words of Dua, hope and comfort which can also help them cope with their difficult situation.
- This Eid, if you see someone suffering, try to comfort them. We must make a special effort to help anyone in need, and Eid day, which is a happy occasion, is an excellent occasion to do so.
"Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse"
Source: http://www.ummah.com/
