When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) emigrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, he learnt of the two days of festivity which the people had inherited from the time of Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era). These two days of festivals were days of sport and amusement associated with evil and immoral customs. Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) then announced to the Muslims, “Allah Ta’ala has most certainly substituted these two days for you with two better ones, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.” [Sunan Nasai, Hadith: 1556]
Both these days have been reserved as days of festivity and celebration; such festivity and celebration that would be within the limits prescribed for joy by the Shariah. It is for this reason that the Úlama state that, expressing one’s delight and joy on these days is not only meritorious but in fact forms part of the salient features of Islam. [Fathul Bari, Hadith: 950]
A part of our Deen
Greeting and congratulating one another with special wordings is another aspect which enhances the joy of this day. This has been the practice of the honorable Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum), Tabieen rahimahumullah) as well as those coming thereafter. There are several narrations which support this practice of theirs. A few of these are quoted below:
Sayyiduna Jubayr Ibn Nufayr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) states, “When the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to each other, ‘May Allah accept (the worship) from us and from you!”
[Muhamiliyat, kaza fil Fathil Bari, Hadith: 952] Muhammad Ibn Ziyad (rahimahullah) (a Tabi’ee) states, “I used to be with Abu Umamah Al Bahilee and several other Sahabah. (I noticed that) when they would return (from the Eid prayer), they would say to one another, ‘May Allah accept (the worship) from us and from you!” [Jowharun Naqy v.3 p.319]
The servant of Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez (rahimahullah), Ad-ham, mentions, “We used to congratulate Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez (the Khalifah of the time) on both the Eids with the words, ‘O leader of the Muslims! May Allah accept (the worship) from us and from you.’ He would reply with the very same words and he would not disapprove of this practice.” [Sunanul Kubra – bayhaqi v.3 p.319]
The books of ahadith contain other similar incidents of this nature to support this noble practice of greeting one another with these words. To sum up the discussion, we quote the statement of Imam Abu Bakr Al Aajurree (rahimahullah) whose practice was to only record and mention the selected and preferred practices of the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum). He states regarding these greetings, “This was the (continuous) practice of the Sahabah as well as that of the Úlama.” [Al Insaf v.2 p.441; kaza Fi Juzin Fit-Tahniati Fil A’yadi Wa Ghayriha libni Hajar]
In Addition to ‘Eid Mubarak’
The Fuqaha (Jurists) mention, “This (type of greeting) is a commendable and praiseworthy practice since it is supported by many incidents of the Sahabah and Tabi’een.” [Hashiyatut Tahtawi p.530]
A closer glance at the meaning of the dua will reveal the intense well wishing it contains for one’s fellow Muslim brothers. So instead of us opting for the words ‘Eid Mubarak’ only (which is correct), let us combine it with the very same words which the Sahabah and as those who came thereafter used when they verbally greeted and congratulated one another on these two days, that is, the under mentioned dua:
تَقَبَّلَ الله ُمِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ
Taqab-balal-lahu minnaa wa minkum
May Allah accept (the worship) from us and from you!
ETIQUETTE TO BE OBSERVED ON THE DAY OF EID
1. To rise early on the Eid morning. Doing so will spur one to be more alert and cheerful on this joyous day. [Hashiyatut Tahtawi p.530]
2. It is sunnah to bath on this day before the Eid Salah. However if one bathes before the Fajr Salah, this will also be acceptable. [Hashiyatut Tahtawi p.530]
3. To dress according to the sunnah, ensuring that the trouser is well above the ankles (for males). To wear the best clothes one possesses and not necessarily new. However, if new clothes are obtained, it should first be worn on a Friday. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) obtained new clothing, he would first wear it on a Friday (even if it was for a few moments and then removed it). This was due to Friday being the most virtuous day of the week. In this way, the clothing as well as the one wearing the garment will be blessed. [Muntahas Sool v.1,p.490]
4. To set off early for the Eid Salah. It is greatly encouraged that one performs the Eid Salah in the Eid Ghah. However, if due to some excuse such as illness, old age etc. one may join the salah in the Musjid.
5. As far as possible, one should endeavor to walk to the Eid Salah if it is within walking distance. Different routes should be chosen when approaching and returning from the Eid Salah. One should engage in reciting the takbeer of Eid silently on route to the Eid Salah until arrival at the Eid Ghah. Besides the act of walking to the Eid Ghah being meritorious, it creates a deep impression on the hearts of the onlookers (non believers) when they observe the beauty and serenity of Islam. Encourage one another to walk to the Eid Ghah!
Written by Moulana Zeyad Danka & edited by Moulana Muhammad.